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Sea Eagles out to hunt down Lote Tuqiri
Dean Ritchie From: The Daily Telegraph March 10, 2010 12:00AM
FOUR full days. That's all Wests Tigers recruit Lote Tuqiri has to become mentally and physically ready for his first NRL match since 2002.
Tuqiri, 30, was last night named on the wing for the Tigers' round-one clash with Manly at the SFS, despite not arriving back in Australia until 7.20 this morning after a 24-hour flight from England.
And the Sea Eagles are ready to take full advantage of his limited build-up as they look to work Tuqiri over and test out his decision-making in defence - whether to stay out or "jam in".
They will also bombard the former Brisbane Bronco with a varied and educated kicking game.
While Tuqiri is a champion athlete and wonderful player - the challenge of re-adapting to league will rank among his greatest.
Asked where Tuqiri would struggle, Manly coach Des Hasler said: "Probably the pace and intensity of the game. Playing on the wing they're not doing the hit-ups and the runs but it's still a fairly active game and a lot of work for wingers just getting back, chasing, the whole lot.
"He will find it a little bit foreign.
"Obviously he's a real bonus for them. I think that's why they are starting at $1.83 favourites.
"It's not as if he hasn't played football before. He's an outstanding athlete. He's got a lot of experience so we will see how he comes up."
Tigers fans will expect a lot from Tuqiri - the giant winger who has played under pressure his entire career. Manly co-captain Jason King expects his coach to have a game plan designed to rattle the dual international, who played his final game for the Leicester Tigers just last Sunday.
"Probably getting used to the pace again, being back the 10 metres and a bit more collision," King said. "I'm sure Des will have a few words and a few video clips show of him playing rugby or before he went to rugby … we'll definitely be doing some homework on him.
"It's a big ask but being a supreme athlete I don't think he'll have any trouble fitting into their team and the NRL again."
Wests Tigers assistant coach Royce Simmons has no doubt Manly will target Tuqiri.
"Coming back into the game after seven years, no doubt they will try him out," Simmons said. "They will try a few things early, send a bit of traffic his way, a few kicks, a few different things.
"But Lote is a very experienced player. [He was named but] if there are any hiccups, we may decide not to push him to play."
Dean Ritchie From: The Daily Telegraph March 10, 2010 12:00AM
FOUR full days. That's all Wests Tigers recruit Lote Tuqiri has to become mentally and physically ready for his first NRL match since 2002.
Tuqiri, 30, was last night named on the wing for the Tigers' round-one clash with Manly at the SFS, despite not arriving back in Australia until 7.20 this morning after a 24-hour flight from England.
And the Sea Eagles are ready to take full advantage of his limited build-up as they look to work Tuqiri over and test out his decision-making in defence - whether to stay out or "jam in".
They will also bombard the former Brisbane Bronco with a varied and educated kicking game.
While Tuqiri is a champion athlete and wonderful player - the challenge of re-adapting to league will rank among his greatest.
Asked where Tuqiri would struggle, Manly coach Des Hasler said: "Probably the pace and intensity of the game. Playing on the wing they're not doing the hit-ups and the runs but it's still a fairly active game and a lot of work for wingers just getting back, chasing, the whole lot.
"He will find it a little bit foreign.
"Obviously he's a real bonus for them. I think that's why they are starting at $1.83 favourites.
"It's not as if he hasn't played football before. He's an outstanding athlete. He's got a lot of experience so we will see how he comes up."
Tigers fans will expect a lot from Tuqiri - the giant winger who has played under pressure his entire career. Manly co-captain Jason King expects his coach to have a game plan designed to rattle the dual international, who played his final game for the Leicester Tigers just last Sunday.
"Probably getting used to the pace again, being back the 10 metres and a bit more collision," King said. "I'm sure Des will have a few words and a few video clips show of him playing rugby or before he went to rugby … we'll definitely be doing some homework on him.
"It's a big ask but being a supreme athlete I don't think he'll have any trouble fitting into their team and the NRL again."
Wests Tigers assistant coach Royce Simmons has no doubt Manly will target Tuqiri.
"Coming back into the game after seven years, no doubt they will try him out," Simmons said. "They will try a few things early, send a bit of traffic his way, a few kicks, a few different things.
"But Lote is a very experienced player. [He was named but] if there are any hiccups, we may decide not to push him to play."
