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Tuiaki the Tigers' everywhere man
August 9, 2007
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Tuiaki-the-Tigers-everywhere-man/2007/08/09/1186530524098.html
Wests Tigers utility Taniela Tuiaki may be quiet off the field, but the Kiwi giant is making plenty of noise on it.
The 107kg powerhouse of Tongan heritage has become a key player in the Tigers push for the finals, his robust running and devastating fend accentuated by his ability to bob up in a multitude of positions.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens has named the 25-year-old on the wing for Friday night's crunch game against the Sydney Roosters at Telstra Stadium, but the tri-colours can also expect to see Tuiaki running at them in the centres, second row and front row in a bid to take advantage of his awesome power.
"It's rare that you can get a player that can fill second row, front row, wing, centre - he's real pivotal to us playing some good footy this year," Tigers skipper Brett Hodgson said.
"I don't know whether there's a player that runs as tough as him and is as hard to tackle as he is - I'm so glad he's not coming up to me at fullback."
While Hodgson may have been spared the task of trying to stop Tuiaki, the same can't be said for equally diminutive Gold Coast fullback Preston Campbell.
Twice the Titans No.1 was brushed aside as Tuiaki made his way to the tryline last Saturday night, Campbell one of four Gold Coast defenders Tuiaki left lying in his wake in a scintillating run down the touchline in the first half.
"It reminded me of the old Eric Grothe try that we always see the highlights of," said Hodgson, who is unlikely to take on the Roosters due to a corked knee.
"Palm one off and then just his leg strength to get through another two or three players is unbelievable."
It was this sort of running which saw him catch the eye of Tigers assistant coach Royce Simmons at the Pacific Nations Cup in 2004.
At the time Tuiaki was playing park football on Sydney's northern beaches with some mates - after walking out on the Manly rugby union club disillusioned with his future in the 15-man game.
"I couldn't crack first grade (at Manly)," the softly-spoken Tuiaki said.
"I don't know if the coach didn't like me or (if I was) too useless to make first grade.
"I was mostly playing second grade and third so I thought I'll get out of here and I went and played local club league with some of my mates down at North Curl Curl.
"I got picked up by Royce Simmons out at the Pacific Cup, I was playing for Tonga, and he asked me if I wanted to come sign up with the Tigers and I said `yeah why not.'
"This is my third year here at the Tigers now and I'm happy."
Not so happy are the Roosters, who will have to find a way to stop the man-mountain.
Their task hasn't been made any easier with skipper Craig Fitzgibbon to miss the match with an ankle injury, Nate Myles coming into the starting line-up in his place.
Coach Brad Fittler has also made a late change to his side, dropping winger John Williams to Premier League.
Iosia Soliola will start the game in the centres with Joel Monaghan moving onto the wing, backrower Mickey Paea the new man on the bench.
© 2007 AAP
August 9, 2007
http://www.smh.com.au/news/Sport/Tuiaki-the-Tigers-everywhere-man/2007/08/09/1186530524098.html
Wests Tigers utility Taniela Tuiaki may be quiet off the field, but the Kiwi giant is making plenty of noise on it.
The 107kg powerhouse of Tongan heritage has become a key player in the Tigers push for the finals, his robust running and devastating fend accentuated by his ability to bob up in a multitude of positions.
Tigers coach Tim Sheens has named the 25-year-old on the wing for Friday night's crunch game against the Sydney Roosters at Telstra Stadium, but the tri-colours can also expect to see Tuiaki running at them in the centres, second row and front row in a bid to take advantage of his awesome power.
"It's rare that you can get a player that can fill second row, front row, wing, centre - he's real pivotal to us playing some good footy this year," Tigers skipper Brett Hodgson said.
"I don't know whether there's a player that runs as tough as him and is as hard to tackle as he is - I'm so glad he's not coming up to me at fullback."
While Hodgson may have been spared the task of trying to stop Tuiaki, the same can't be said for equally diminutive Gold Coast fullback Preston Campbell.
Twice the Titans No.1 was brushed aside as Tuiaki made his way to the tryline last Saturday night, Campbell one of four Gold Coast defenders Tuiaki left lying in his wake in a scintillating run down the touchline in the first half.
"It reminded me of the old Eric Grothe try that we always see the highlights of," said Hodgson, who is unlikely to take on the Roosters due to a corked knee.
"Palm one off and then just his leg strength to get through another two or three players is unbelievable."
It was this sort of running which saw him catch the eye of Tigers assistant coach Royce Simmons at the Pacific Nations Cup in 2004.
At the time Tuiaki was playing park football on Sydney's northern beaches with some mates - after walking out on the Manly rugby union club disillusioned with his future in the 15-man game.
"I couldn't crack first grade (at Manly)," the softly-spoken Tuiaki said.
"I don't know if the coach didn't like me or (if I was) too useless to make first grade.
"I was mostly playing second grade and third so I thought I'll get out of here and I went and played local club league with some of my mates down at North Curl Curl.
"I got picked up by Royce Simmons out at the Pacific Cup, I was playing for Tonga, and he asked me if I wanted to come sign up with the Tigers and I said `yeah why not.'
"This is my third year here at the Tigers now and I'm happy."
Not so happy are the Roosters, who will have to find a way to stop the man-mountain.
Their task hasn't been made any easier with skipper Craig Fitzgibbon to miss the match with an ankle injury, Nate Myles coming into the starting line-up in his place.
Coach Brad Fittler has also made a late change to his side, dropping winger John Williams to Premier League.
Iosia Soliola will start the game in the centres with Joel Monaghan moving onto the wing, backrower Mickey Paea the new man on the bench.
© 2007 AAP
