Gone for season but not forgotten: Tigers re-sign Tuiaki to incentive-based deal
THE SHOW OF FAITH
ALMOST a year to the day since he suffered the injury that threatened his career, forgotten Wests Tigers winger Taniela Tuiaki has been granted a lifeline by his club.
Tuiaki, who has been unable to play for 12 months due to serious ankle problems, has signed a one-year deal, giving him a chance to resurrect his career at the Tigers next year.
The Herald understands Tuiaki has signed a heavily incentive-based contract, which will include a minimum-wage base salary with the addition of match payments - and bonuses for reaching 10- and 20-game milestones.
Despite admitting the deal was a gamble, Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys said he wanted to show faith in the Kiwis international, who suffered a shocking broken ankle in the round 24 clash between the Tigers and Parramatta last year.
''There's some risk there, but we think it's the right outcome,'' Humphreys said. ''Taniela's been working hard and, whilst he's had a few setbacks this year, we think by giving him some security about next year, he won't have the pressure on him to rush [his recovery] and prove to us and anyone else that he can play.''
It is a significant turnaround for Tuiaki, who was close to the scrap-heap only weeks ago with doubts remaining over whether he could make a full recovery after two operations on his ankle and repeated setbacks. Tuiaki scored 21 tries in 22 matches last year, only to fracture his ankle in the first half against the Eels. He has been linked with a move to the Eels, who face the Tigers on Sunday, but he will continue his career at the club where he has had a cult following since 2006.
''Taniela's been great for us and he's very popular for the team and the fans,'' Humphreys said. ''That's why we've erred on the side of supporting one of our own.
''We all hope for the best with Taniela. The deal is incentive-based but it gives him some security. We were quite happy to take the risk.
''I think he deserves that judgment call. He's given us his all. We've got to make decisions which are right for the club, not what is the popular thing to do, but we are quite confident that if Taniela continues to work hard, and keeps his rate of recovery going, he'll make it back.''
Just when he does is still up for debate. After there were some fears Tuiaki had played his last NRL game about two months ago, he began to improve rapidly and started training with the top squad before straining his calf.
While he will almost certainly not be able to play first grade this year, there remains a possibility he will make a return at NSW Cup level.
Asked if he felt Tuiaki could return to the sort of form that made him one of the most feared wingers in the premiership last year, Humphreys said: ''I'd like to think so, but it's hard to tell. Medical opinion would probably say no but sometimes people defy medical opinion. He's got everyone around here supporting him. We're in his corner.''
Another injury-plagued player to receive some positive news yesterday was South Sydney prop Ben Ross, who had promising scan results from his long-term neck problems. He will be assessed again tomorrow, after which officials will have a firmer idea of his playing prospects.
The Rabbitohs also re-signed fullback Rhys Wesser to a one-year deal on the eve of his clash for the club with which he won a premiership, Penrith. "I'm really happy to be a Rabbit again. I think we have a great team here, and I want to be part of that," the 31-year-old said.
Elsewhere, Sydney Roosters re-signed second-rower Mitchell Aubusson to a two-year extension, locking him up until at least the end of 2013.
''We have a great young team that has been playing together for a number of years now so to know I will be a part of that progress is great,'' Aubusson said.
