Tahu

Now before I deliver what is going to be a very controversial blog, which will probably leave me ostracised on this site, I first want to say that Timana Tahu is one of my favourite Rugby League players that i have seen play the game.Even when he was at Newcastle I loved him as a player, the impact he had as a winger was extraodinary. I think Timana Tahu can take a lot of credit for alot of the "freakish" players that we see in the game today, i.e. the likes of Hayne, Inu, Inglis, Slater, Idris etc. These players are all pure athletes first and football players second, though there amazing skills have been refined which leaves them as some of the best and exciting players in the game today.I think Tahu was one of the first players on the seen in the late 90's who brought these "x-factor" skills to Rugby League. He was Large, Quick, Powerful and had amazing finesse. Needless to say when Parra bought him in 05 I was over the moon. We weren't known as a club who attracted "big name" players, especially players the quality of Timana Tahu who was just about at the peak of his powers.The three years Tahu spent with the club were frustrating but overall very successful. He gelled with the Eels style of play brilliantly in that time, and proved to be a real strike weapon for us in the centres. Obviously frustrating was the long list of niggling injuries that set him back during his time with us, however he played a great role with the development of our prodigal juniors such as Hayne and Inu who proved to be stars of the game.Tahu's back end to 07 was incredible, he imo left Rugby League as the best Centre in the game. He was an absolute intimidating monster on the field, if he wasn't carving up opposite centres/wingers with the ball in his hand, he was putting bell-ringers on blokes just for fun (just ask Fraser Anderson). Obviously this form made him attractive to Union, and although he denied interest, Tahu proceeded to sign on the dotted line. Leaving me and many other Eels fans, and fans of Rugby League in general shattered.Tahu went to Union, injuries continued to hold him back and as a consequence he was only able to show glimpses of his brilliance in the 15 man game. His attacking flair was neutralised by the slow speed and the lack of room in Union, and he no longer could produce his aggresive shoulder charges as it is illegal. He did go on to play for the Wallabies, but he largely played the important position of bench warmer during his time there.Rumours began to swell that Tahu was unhappy and he wished to return to league. This seemed logical as anyone could see his talents were going to waste in Yawnion. The rumours indeed proved true and he in 2010 will once again be a Parramatta Eel.Now let me get to my point of view, when I first heard he was returning i was thrilled, one of my favourite players will be returning to the Eels. I was thrilled as I had a strong opinion that we as a club needed to invest in an experienced outside back, someone who could help influence the likes of Hayne and Inu who at that time of the season both looked as if they had lost there way and weren't enjoying there footy. Tahu was the perfect answer as a role model and he should still be able to play at the highest level.Then over the coming months we saw these young outside backs mature immensely, Hayne went from anti-social to a leader within the team. Inu's form rose at throughout the year, Reddy was consistently good and old timers Burt and Grothe were both back to their best. We had the backline most clubs could only dream of. Then all the talk began of who would make way for Tahu when he returns.It is now clear to me that as great as Tahu was as a player, we don't need him. We have a great backline who all deserve to be playing 1st grade football.Tahu is 29, injury prone, is costing us a motza and lets face it, this guy walked out on the Eels and Rugby League in general to pursue Union. He didn't enjoy himself, well i say have a tissue. The NRL needs to be tougher on players who cross codes and want to come back to League, if a player wants to leave that is fine, but they must know if they make the decision to cross to the dark side that they can't just return when they feel like it as heroes as if they never deserted League in the first place.The NRL needs to make a stance on this, because it will help curb the number of players who feel tempted to jump ship in the name of the mighty dollar. I know alot of these players are superstar's and are great for ticket sales etc, but the game is bigger than individuals and individuals must understand that. Sailor shouldn't have been allowed back, Tuquiri and Tahu shouldnt be allowed back, Gasnier and SBW likewise and as for Khunt when he fails at that sorry excuse for a sport and wants to return to league (you know its going to happen) they should tell him to stay there and rot.Thats my rant, realistically Tahu is back with us next year and im going to have to live with it. I hope he recaptures the form that he has shown in the past, and i hope that I can once again see him as a hero and not a traitor.I'm sure im not the only one with this opinion however im sure im in a very small minority, as for the rest of you, go ahead give me your best shots! :P

1 July 1st July+ Absolutely jacked in the gym+ not listed on the injured sheets+ not named in any grade including Ron Massey cup. + I'm not suggesting anything, but wtf is happening? He Absolutely looks like he could squat 200kgs no hassle .. .

"Agree, it would have been late at night, and a long drive for him, and he still stopped (even after going to the wrong hospital) and made sure he could help lift the kid's spirits. He may have the worlds worst laugh, but that's the kind of character…"

Replies

Djl November 19, 2009 at 11:12am

im so happy hes back just as long as he can stay injury free, joel reddy is consistent yes but hes not a star, he is safe under the high ball and so on, but he doesnt have alot of mongrel. tahu's big hits and runs will lift the whole team.
Michael Ericson November 19, 2009 at 11:34am

At 29 Tahu is far from too old.

Look a lot of players were attracted to the international aspect of Union at around the time when Tahu left, lets face it the opportunity to play in a rugby world cup (which is second only to the soccer world cup in terms of international recognition) must be exciting to these guys who can't get the same experience in league.

The reason these guys are coming back is that they probably took it all as a given that they would be an automatic success in a code that, in my opinion, is not as similar to league as people think it is.

I am willing to have them back.
Eeldarado November 19, 2009 at 12:53pm

I have commented on this many many tines before in exactly the similar manner,of course I copped grillings from fans but that goes with the territory ,and I for one 100% totally agree with everything you have said!!!!

You wont be ostracised by this duck...... BlueNGold!!!!

To me the acquistion of Tahu was an un expected bonus no-one was expecting his return!! finally at the back end of last year our forwards decided to stand tall (on the back of Jarry Haynes inpirational brilliance of course) and our backs had a chance to show the potential they are capable of!!!
- blueNgold > Eeldarado November 19, 2009 at 8:31pm
  
  Cheers for the back-up Brother!
ELECTRIFYING MAXFORCE EELS 2014 November 19, 2009 at 4:48pm

AS A RUGBY LEAGUE FAN I TOTALLY AGREE - AS AN EELS FAN I SAY , IT WILL BE INTERESTING TO SEE IF HE PROVES US WRONG BUT $400,000 A YEAR IS A HUGE GAMBLE ON AN INJURY CERTAINTY WHO PLAYS 1 TOP GAME OUT OF 4 .

GO ON TAHU PROVE US WRONG , I AM STILL A FAN BUT NOT SURE IF YOU CAN DO IT
- blueNgold > ELECTRIFYING MAXFORCE EELS 2014 November 19, 2009 at 8:33pm
  
  The problem is he walked out on Rugby League mate, deserted the NRL.
  
  Haha what do you think the Knights have to say about the "coming home" remark ?
  - ILUVHINDY > blueNgold November 20, 2009 at 6:59pm
    
    The Knights?
    Who cares what they think!
JEELman November 19, 2009 at 5:30pm

What price do you pay for experience? The benefits of his presence at the club on and off the field far outway the money. I know if I was Inu, Reddy or Hayne i'd rather have him in my backline not the oppositions.
Have a blinder Tahu!
iamnot November 19, 2009 at 7:15pm

I don't necessarily disagree with you, and there certainly are a lot of question marks around his fitness. However, I think his experience is invaluable. I for one think this signing, almost more than any other (Hayne of course the exception) will provide the impetus to a premiership...
CMD & RSD November 19, 2009 at 7:15pm

I think that you can't just focus on the money for leaving - if i was playing at that level going down in history as a duel international would be very appealing. Ray Price was a duel international and don't forget Michael O'Connor. These days it just seems the pendulum has swung the other way round. Maybe it is just the money, but I'd like to think these's more to it than that.