Eels forward in hot demand

PARRAMATTA forward Kelepi Tanginoa can’t crack the top grade at the moment but is attracting plenty of interest from a number of rival NRL clubs.Standing at 108cm and 102kg with a frame that resembles a body builder, Tanginoa has been arguably the most damaging player in the NSW Cup this season and his performances have reportedly caught the eye of the Tigers.Tanginoa returned to the Eels this season after spending last year with the Cowboys but finds himself behind the likes of Manu Ma’u, Beau Scott, Tepai Moeroa and Kenny Edwards in a stacked Parramatta second row.But his performances in the NSW Cup for Wentworthville haven’t gone unnoticed – most notably last week’s display against the Warriors when he racked up a mammoth 201 metres.It is believed the Tigers have been tracking the 22-year-old’s progress the past few weeks and could be looking to engage the club over a transfer. However, Tanginoa is contracted to the Eels until the end of 2017 and are reportedly hesitant to grant the forward an early release should one be requested.The Tigers, who are in the midst of a four-game losing streak, are struggling for depth at moment particularly in the back row. No Tigers back-rower recorded 100 metres or more in Sunday’s loss to the Knights.The Tigers are also said to be tracking the progress of Panther’s workhorse Elijah Taylor. Taylor has played just two games for the club this season and will almost certainly leave the club at season’s end.In addition to Wests, there are rumours swirling that the Bulldogs are also keeping tabs on Tanginoa, although the club may find it hard to fit the former junior Kangaroo under the salary cap following the recent long-term signing of Raymond Faitala-Mariner and Lamar Liolevave.

Replies

Kurupt April 12, 2016 at 7:47am

Fuck off Taylor, we have plans for him.
Fuuuuuui April 12, 2016 at 7:49am

We'll need him as the season progresses and the injury toll climbs. He'll get his chance.
Outrunna April 12, 2016 at 7:54am

At 108 cm he is pretty short
- Sir Col "THE NODDY MUSHROOM" > Outrunna April 12, 2016 at 7:57am
  
  That's why he is so good - the BIG opposition forwards can't reach down that low to stop him.
- Aj > Outrunna April 12, 2016 at 8:11am
  
  He will get a crack sometime this year or next year if he stays with us .
- fishbulb > Outrunna April 12, 2016 at 8:33am
  
  108 cm and 120 kg.....he's a giant medicine ball!
- Prof. Daz > Outrunna April 12, 2016 at 9:07am
  
  At 3.5 feet tall and 120kg, he's wider than he is tall, I suspect. Hopefully he plays in the middle in defense and on the edge in attack
- Leith Holding > Outrunna April 12, 2016 at 10:50am
  
  His low centre of gravity is ideal.
The Offside Eel April 12, 2016 at 8:11am

A move to the front row next year beckons for young kelepi
- Roger smith > The Offside Eel April 12, 2016 at 9:08am
  
  Actually i think his opportunity might come via juniors departure ,tepai is a front rower in waiting which could open door for kelipi as back rower but dont get ahead of yourself,ive attended all wenty games and kelipi still has some issues to fix but is highly regarded as a work in progress by coaching staff