PARRAMATTA have emerged as a possible saviour for blockbusting winger Taniela Tuiaki, whose future is still clouded by a serious ankle injury he suffered almost one year ago.
Tigers insiders have told us there's no chance the club will extend Tuiaki's contract, which expires in a few months. Sidelined since round 24 last season, the Tongan powerhouse is desperately trying to return to the field to prove his fitness to other clubs in the market for wingers next year.
Still yet to offer Eric Grothe a new deal, Parramatta could fall into that category. We can reveal at least one Eels board member has been keeping tabs on Tuiaki's recovery, speaking to the 28-year-old on the phone regularly over the past few months.
"Guru [Grothe] would be the priority to keep because he's part of the fabric, but if that doesn't happen we'd take a closer look at Tuiaki," a Parramatta insider said.
As for Tuiaki's comeback date, we're receiving mixed messages. The winger himself has been telling friends he could return in as little as four weeks after hitting full pace at training recently.
Some at the Tigers, however, privately doubt he'll return in 2010 - let alone regain his reputation as one of the game's most feared ball-runners.
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I'm Ken Crapper
Just look at what the club achieved with Fui Fui when we brought him over from Souths.
If Tuiaki doesn't make it onto the field then we could blood one of our talented juniors on the wing, maybe Sio or Loko, just like we did with Hayne. And then we could always play Tui Tui in the backrow if it comes to that.
Oh and good call Daniel, will be interesting to see who this halfback is gonna be.
With all do respect Johny Suede, Tuiaki will have dedicated proffeisonals working to ensure his ankle recovers.
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