Jumping the gun on Tahu...?

I was under the impression that Tahu signing was a done deal. I came across this article on NRL.com..."Parramatta's signing of dual international Timana Tahu appears a fait accompli, but it seems former Eels teammate Eric Grothe still needs convincing."It'd be good to have Timana around the place, but nothing would surprise me with him, I don't know what's going to happen," Grothe said before training on Friday."Until I actually see that signature on that dotted line I'm probably not going to put my money on it."Grothe's uncertainty is well-founded with Tahu having twice now gone back on his word when it comes to signing contracts.In 2006 when he was a teammate of Grothe's at Parramatta, Tahu said he had no interest in switching codes, claiming rugby union did not interest him.Weeks later he signed a four-year deal with the Australian Rugby Union, though a lack of opportunities for the Waratahs and Wallabies prompted many to think Tahu would return to rugby league.Tahu denied he would walk out on the 15-man game, but was granted a release from the ARU on Wednesday, less than two years into his four-year contract with speculation he had agreed to a three-year-deal with the Eels.Reports indicated Tahu would attend a press conference on Friday morning to announce his signing, but Parramatta officials said they were still in the dark as to just when the 29-year-old speedster would be unveiled as an Eel.Grothe said the side was in high spirits heading into Sunday's must-win clash against struggling Newcastle.They have been boosted by the news injured pair Kris Keating and Feleti Mateo have been given the green light to resume playing, though no decision has been made on whether they will take on the Knights."The sentence that concerns me is... "Grothe's uncertainty is well-founded with Tahu having twice now gone back on his word when it comes to signing contracts..."I'm still 100% confident Tahu will be back in the Blue & Gold next season, but Grothe does have a point...http://www.nrl.com/newsviews/latestnews/newsarticle/tabid/10874/newsid/56177/doubting-grothe-waiting-for-tahu-proof/default.aspx

"Only issue is, do we have the time to try and get best out of him. It took Cartwright two years under BA to become a great footballer and he was not as bad with attitude as Schuster. "

"Centre to me is his best position, with how he runs and passes. But the club have liked him for a long, long time. They will not let him go. Out of his 3 games, he has been great in one, average in one and not good in one. The one where he was…"

"Well said HKF, 100% agree with you. He needs as much game time at Fullback as possible. Telling you now, once Lomax is here do you think BA would put Talagi at 1 or Lomax at 1 if Gutho was out?"

Replies

Dan August 7, 2009 at 1:39pm

Pretty sure that's still going back on his word... haha. But yeah, I get your point. He'll be an Eel again for sure.
EelLectric August 7, 2009 at 2:30pm

Here's something to ponder.

It would seem that he hasn't actually signed a contract with the Eels.... yet.
However, its been well documented the terms and sorts of money that the eels and tahu have unofficially agreed to.
Now, let's say a contract hasn't been signed and other clubs out there are aware of this, how many clubs do you reckon would be in contact with his management making 11th-hour offers, with better money, to go elsewhere? It's possible. I could see the Broncos being able to table a massive offer if he was interested seeing as K.Hunt is now moving on.....

In speculating all of that, I'm pretty confident he'll be an Eel next year....
- 1Eyed Eel > EelLectric August 7, 2009 at 2:50pm
  
  I think its pretty clear that Timana is making the switch for more than financial reason. I think the chance to re-unit with his former team mates, a possible premiership and his links with Ozzy would outweigh what any other club could possibly pay him...
hayne_88 August 7, 2009 at 3:59pm

regardless of a players intentions, i too get nervous until a player has officially signed ! all signs are pointing in the right direction though, which is all we can ask for atm
Goyoueels August 7, 2009 at 4:25pm

The quote from Grothe - if correct - sounds more to me like he doesn't rate Tahu that much. I don't think that it is related to him joining the Eels at all, moreso that Grothe doesn't mind either way.
- 1Eyed Eel > Goyoueels August 7, 2009 at 5:05pm
  
  I think its Guru just taking the piss to tell the truth
cgee221 August 7, 2009 at 5:15pm

Everyone...relax...he's coming here lol
Blue & Gold Blood August 7, 2009 at 9:04pm

i agree with one eyed. i bet he was laughing while saying that. then the media prints it like he is not impressed with tahu. fucken media, leave us alone!!
- TABONE > Blue & Gold Blood August 7, 2009 at 9:21pm
  
  you tell them son