Tahu pours cold water on code switch
Parramatta centre Timana Tahu said the thought of touching the ball "two times a game" was enough to turn him off a switch to rugby union.
Tahu, currently between managers and off contract at the end of the season, said staying with the Eels would be his priority when he sat down to begin negotiations on a new deal.
There had been rumours that the Test and NSW Origin three-quarter would be a target for the cashed-up Australian Rugby Union, but Tahu said he wouldn't even consider a switch of codes as a last resort.
"I don't know if I'd (even) talk to rugby," Tahu said.
"Probably by then I'll just sign up with an NRL club... it wouldn't even be an option to go to union.
"For me it's happiness first, where you're more comfortable.
"They've got heaps of money and they can blow any NRL club out of the water with any player they want but then it comes down to expectation.
"I think that's too much pressure if you want to do that. You're going to have everyone watching you and you make one mistake you're probably going to get pounded for it the rest of your career."
While the pressure that comes with the fat paycheck is one thing, so too is the enjoyment factor for Tahu.
The 26-year-old said he had taken note of the frustrations voiced by Wallabies star Lote Tuqiri about the lack of ball he had received while playing on the wing in rugby union.
Tuqiri is believed to be exploring a move back to rugby league for next season, in part due to his lack of opportunities in the 15-man game, something Tahu said he had taken into account.
"He's a competitive player and so am I, I like being competitive and I like to have the ball in my hands," Tahu said.
"That would probably be the most stressful thing - the game's close and you want to do something and you can't even get the ball because they're very structured.
"Being a centre or winger, you touch the ball two times in a game and I don't really want to be doing that."
While remaining at Parramatta is his No.1 priority, Tahu is sure to command interest from rival NRL clubs.
Neighbouring club Penrith is believed to be in the hunt for the former Newcastle flyer, while other clubs short on outside backs such as Cronulla and South Sydney would also be interested.
Eels coach Michael Hagan, who also coached Tahu at the Knights, said re-signing the centre was a priority.
