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Tuqiri hopeful of finals return
August 12, 2012
Adrian Proszenko
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LOTE TUQIRI'S injury may not be a season-ending one after all.
When Tuqiri broke his arm in Wests Tigers' loss to the Bulldogs last month, it was feared he had played his last game of the NRL season - and possibly his career.
However, the dual international is holding out hope of returning in 2012 if the Tigers make it deep into the finals series.
''Not all hope is lost for this year,'' Tuqiri told The Sun-Herald. ''I've been working hard on my arm in rehab and I've got a doctor's appointment [this] week, which should tell us where we are at.
''I'm hoping that if the boys go deep into the semis and I get positive news on the scans, I'm a chance of coming back this year.''
The news is a massive boost to a Tigers side which is just starting to get back a number of injured stars ahead of the finals.
Tuqiri's injury-enforced absence has allowed another winger of Fijian heritage to make his mark on the NRL. In just his second NRL game, Marika Koroibete scored four tries against Parramatta on Monday night, equalling the club record set by Kevin McGuinness against South Sydney in 2002\. It was a stunning performance from the 20-year-old, earning comparisons to Tuqiri.
Given that Tuqiri is currently in the casualty ward and off contract, one could understand if the former Wallaby felt his spot was under siege from a prodigious talent 12 years his junior. But nothing could be further from the truth. ''No one is happier than me to see Marika achieve so much in such a short period of time so far,'' Tuqiri said.
Tuqiri's manager, Giancarlo Lombardo of GLT Sports Management, added: ''Lote has had a lot to do with Marika since he came to the Tigers. They come from a very similar location village-wise in Fiji.
''Lote has been playing a mentoring role to him.''
Ironically, Tuqiri has been a pivotal figure in Koroibete's rise. Having come from a tiny bush village inaccessible by motor vehicles, the youngster was taken aback by his new surrounds in Sydney.
The Tigers have set him up with a family in the Bankstown region, while Tuqiri has helped him adapt to the demands of professional life in the NRL. Should Tuqiri receive a positive prognosis on his injury, there is the prospect of the Tigers fielding both Fijian flyers on their flanks.
It's understood that Tigers coach Tim Sheens values the experience Tuqiri brings to the team and is keen to re-sign him. But regardless of where he ends up next year, Tuqiri is already planning for life after his playing days are over. He has signed up to GLT Management in a mentoring role to provide guidance to the stable's young clients.
''One of the reasons for Lote getting involved with GLT is so that he can put back into rugby league,'' Lombardo said.
''Lote is really passionate about mentoring young kids and sharing his experiences.
''Lote and I have been mates for over a decade and our families are close and now we have an opportunity to work together.''
August 12, 2012
Adrian Proszenko
\
\
LOTE TUQIRI'S injury may not be a season-ending one after all.
When Tuqiri broke his arm in Wests Tigers' loss to the Bulldogs last month, it was feared he had played his last game of the NRL season - and possibly his career.
However, the dual international is holding out hope of returning in 2012 if the Tigers make it deep into the finals series.
''Not all hope is lost for this year,'' Tuqiri told The Sun-Herald. ''I've been working hard on my arm in rehab and I've got a doctor's appointment [this] week, which should tell us where we are at.
''I'm hoping that if the boys go deep into the semis and I get positive news on the scans, I'm a chance of coming back this year.''
The news is a massive boost to a Tigers side which is just starting to get back a number of injured stars ahead of the finals.
Tuqiri's injury-enforced absence has allowed another winger of Fijian heritage to make his mark on the NRL. In just his second NRL game, Marika Koroibete scored four tries against Parramatta on Monday night, equalling the club record set by Kevin McGuinness against South Sydney in 2002\. It was a stunning performance from the 20-year-old, earning comparisons to Tuqiri.
Given that Tuqiri is currently in the casualty ward and off contract, one could understand if the former Wallaby felt his spot was under siege from a prodigious talent 12 years his junior. But nothing could be further from the truth. ''No one is happier than me to see Marika achieve so much in such a short period of time so far,'' Tuqiri said.
Tuqiri's manager, Giancarlo Lombardo of GLT Sports Management, added: ''Lote has had a lot to do with Marika since he came to the Tigers. They come from a very similar location village-wise in Fiji.
''Lote has been playing a mentoring role to him.''
Ironically, Tuqiri has been a pivotal figure in Koroibete's rise. Having come from a tiny bush village inaccessible by motor vehicles, the youngster was taken aback by his new surrounds in Sydney.
The Tigers have set him up with a family in the Bankstown region, while Tuqiri has helped him adapt to the demands of professional life in the NRL. Should Tuqiri receive a positive prognosis on his injury, there is the prospect of the Tigers fielding both Fijian flyers on their flanks.
It's understood that Tigers coach Tim Sheens values the experience Tuqiri brings to the team and is keen to re-sign him. But regardless of where he ends up next year, Tuqiri is already planning for life after his playing days are over. He has signed up to GLT Management in a mentoring role to provide guidance to the stable's young clients.
''One of the reasons for Lote getting involved with GLT is so that he can put back into rugby league,'' Lombardo said.
''Lote is really passionate about mentoring young kids and sharing his experiences.
''Lote and I have been mates for over a decade and our families are close and now we have an opportunity to work together.''
