Tuqiri, Folau in Waratahs squad for Tens
Jan 31, 2017 - 6:04 AM At 37, Lote Tuqiri hopes to show flashes of his old brilliance for the NSW Waratahs at next month's inaugural Brisbane Global Tens.Just flashes, though.
The dual international on Tuesday became the latest Wallaby to come out of retirement for the two-day tournament starting on February 11, signing on as a Waratahs wildcard.
All eyes will be on how Tuqiri combines with star fullback and tournament ambassador Israel Folau in the Waratahs backline.
But Tuqiri joked that his Tens highlights may be more "blink and you miss it".
The code-hopping winger - a veteran of 67 Tests for the Wallabies - hung up his boots in 2014 when his NRL stint with South Sydney ended.
"You might see some flashes of the old form," Tuqiri told AAP.
"They might be slow flashes but hopefully there will be flashes.
"I don't want to talk it up too much.
"I haven't played for three years. I am just excited about getting back on the big stage again.
"And it's unlimited interchange so I can't thank them enough for that."
Tuqiri follows in the footsteps of fellow retired Wallabies Chris Latham (Queensland Reds), Stephen Larkham and Andrew Walker (Brumbies) who have also signed on as Tens wildcards.
But it seems Tuqiri needed a bit of convincing.
He admitted Waratahs coach Daryl Gibson had pestered him since before Christmas to play the Tens.
"Daryl knocked on the door a few times, he really persisted," Tuqiri said.
"I tried to put it off, I was a bit iffy.
"In the end I had to convince myself more than anything."
But Tuqiri said he was now fully committed to his Tens cameo, especially with Folau in the Waratahs squad.
Tuqiri never got the chance to play with Folau at the Waratahs.
He ended his seven-season NSW stint in 2009 - four years before fellow code hopper Folau's move from AFL to the Waratahs.
"Combining with Izzy excites me a hell of a lot," Tuqiri said.
"I have never played rugby with him before, I have only admired him from afar.
"So I am looking forward to throwing the ball around with him."
Tuqiri will feature in a 26-strong Waratahs squad that also features Wallabies Tolu Latu and Taqele Naiyaravoro and Rio Olympics sevens players Cameron Clark, Pat McCutcheon and Con Foley.
"I want to do this for myself more than anything, just go out there and have a bit of fun," Tuqiri said.
"I don't have anything to prove.
"I just wanted to see if I still had something to give to the Waratahs, whether it is sharing some of my wisdom I don't know.
"But hopefully I can do that in a couple of weeks."
Source: AAP
No one has shouted yet.
Be the first!
Be the first!
Related News
- Waratahs wait on McCalman medical report Dec 27
- Wallaby Rona signs with Waratahs Dec 18
- Waratahs and Reds to clash at SCG Dec 11
- Waratahs and Reds to clash at SCG Dec 10
- NSW Waratahs find new home in the suburbs Dec 7
- NSW Waratahs aiming high in 2018 Dec 5
- Waratahs coach ready to 'poke the bear' Nov 1
- Hooper runaway winner of Tahs' rugby award Sep 1
- Wallabies lock Simmons signs with Waratahs Aug 31
- Lame Tahs to get Super final lesson Jul 17
- Tahs coach Gibson not waving white flag Jul 15
- Hooper lauds retiring Super Rugby rival Jul 14