WESTS Tigers half-back Robert Lui rejoined his teammates in pre-season training this week for the first time since he was charged with nine offences against his pregnant partner, Taleah Backo.
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As a result of the charges Lui is still fighting, the Tigers relieved the 20-year-old of all his duties with the club including training.
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However a change to his bail conditions, meaning he is able to make contact with his girlfriend, meant the Tigers have lifted their ban and welcomed the young talent back.
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A softly spoken Lui, in his first interview since the charges were laid, said football was his motivation to push through the hard times training in exile.
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“It’s harder when you’re training by yourself with none of the boys there with you,” Lui told sportsnewsfirst.com.au.
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“Still you've got to push because you don’t want to come back hanging at the back… that’s what kept me going.
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“I’ve been staying fit because that’s what I do for a living, I play League so I had to keep my body in shape for when I came back.
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“It’s good to be back full-time, I started on Monday - it’s been good.”
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Lui’s offences include two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three of common assault, one of malicious damage, one of choking with intent to commit an indictable offence, one of detaining for advantage and one of aggravated robbery.
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He has previously stated he would vigorously defend the charges and is focused on getting through a tough pre-season, fighting to retain his jersey with utility Tim Moltzen snipping at his heels.
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“A bit of competition makes us train harder and play harder but its good, we’re good mates me and Moltz (Moltzen),” Lui said.
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“I was happy with my back end of the season and hopefully Round 1 wear that number seven jersey.
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“I still have a lot to learn but I’ve found my feet, I’ve found my place here and I like it here.”
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Lui’s main objective for next season is to work on his one-on-one defence and relieving some of the kicking duties from New Zealand skipper Benji Marshall.
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“He was probably doing most of the kicking; it would be good to have four kickers in one team.
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Contracted with the club until the end of 2012, Lui is looking to repay the faith the club has placed in him, by leading the Tigers to their first grand final appearance since 2005.
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“I know deep inside we all want to take it one step better,” said Lui.
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“I’ve re-signed on for another two years; I’m not going anywhere, I like it here.
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"They’ve been good to me, just try to be good to them back... repay the faith.”
>
As a result of the charges Lui is still fighting, the Tigers relieved the 20-year-old of all his duties with the club including training.
>
However a change to his bail conditions, meaning he is able to make contact with his girlfriend, meant the Tigers have lifted their ban and welcomed the young talent back.
>
A softly spoken Lui, in his first interview since the charges were laid, said football was his motivation to push through the hard times training in exile.
>
“It’s harder when you’re training by yourself with none of the boys there with you,” Lui told sportsnewsfirst.com.au.
>
“Still you've got to push because you don’t want to come back hanging at the back… that’s what kept me going.
>
“I’ve been staying fit because that’s what I do for a living, I play League so I had to keep my body in shape for when I came back.
>
“It’s good to be back full-time, I started on Monday - it’s been good.”
>
Lui’s offences include two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, three of common assault, one of malicious damage, one of choking with intent to commit an indictable offence, one of detaining for advantage and one of aggravated robbery.
>
He has previously stated he would vigorously defend the charges and is focused on getting through a tough pre-season, fighting to retain his jersey with utility Tim Moltzen snipping at his heels.
>
“A bit of competition makes us train harder and play harder but its good, we’re good mates me and Moltz (Moltzen),” Lui said.
>
“I was happy with my back end of the season and hopefully Round 1 wear that number seven jersey.
>
“I still have a lot to learn but I’ve found my feet, I’ve found my place here and I like it here.”
>
Lui’s main objective for next season is to work on his one-on-one defence and relieving some of the kicking duties from New Zealand skipper Benji Marshall.
>
“He was probably doing most of the kicking; it would be good to have four kickers in one team.
>
Contracted with the club until the end of 2012, Lui is looking to repay the faith the club has placed in him, by leading the Tigers to their first grand final appearance since 2005.
>
“I know deep inside we all want to take it one step better,” said Lui.
>
“I’ve re-signed on for another two years; I’m not going anywhere, I like it here.
>
"They’ve been good to me, just try to be good to them back... repay the faith.”
