Tahu sneaks over and signs with ARU
PARRAMATTA and Australia rugby league centre Timana Tahu has signed a four-deal deal to play rugby union from next season
Tahu, 26, will join New South Wales for the 2008 Super 14 competition after his contract with the Eels expires at the end of the 2007 NRL season.
But he denied that his decision to become the first league player to switch codes since Canberra fullback Clinton Schifcofske signed for Queensland midway through the 2006 NRL season marks a major U-turn little over a month after dismissing the 15-man game.
Tahu, who won the 2001 premiership with Newcastle, and who has played 11 State of Origin matches for New South Wales and five Tests for Australia, said last month that he would not consider playing rugby "as a last resort", claiming he had no interest in handling the ball only "two times in a game".
"I like being competitive and I like to have the ball in my hands," Tahu said at the time.
"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."
Tahu spun a different angle today, saying "a few weeks ago, I was quoted as saying that I wouldn’t switch to union as I would want to touch the ball more than once a game".
"This was a direct quote to stamp out any rumours regarding my interest in rugby," he said.
"I wanted to make this decision on my own, along with my family, and not be influenced by outside forces.
"This is why I have negotiated to join the Australian Rugby Union without the fanfare.
"As you can see, it has been achieved."
Tahu said he "was excited with the direction rugby is taking for the future".
“It was great to see (former Kangaroos teammate Lote Tuqiri) re-sign with the ARU and Waratahs, and I am salivating at the possibility of running alongside him again," he said.
Wallabies coach John Connolly said Tahu’s international experience would be a great addition to Australia's ranks.
"He is a proven try scorer who has played at the highest level in rugby league and will bring a lot to the program," Connolly said.
ARU general manager rugby operations Pat Wilson said Timana’s signing was a major coup for rugby union .
“He plays a position which Australian rugby has identified as requiring further depth, and we also believe the experience and maturity he has displayed at an elite level will benefit younger players coming through," Wilson said.
Waratahs coach Ewen McKenzie said he was excited about the prospect of Tahu joining the side.
"Timana has proven himself an outstanding footballer with an ability to score points," he said.
"He is a proven representative player who could make a big impact in midfield."
