Parramatta Eels loom as new home for Taniela Tuiaki

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.

"In fairness to Cleary as much as I'd love to sink the boot into that Penreff scum, he did not get one quick play the ball tonight to do Cleary things. Why was the refereeing so different to game 2? There were times tonight when NSW was well on top…"

Replies

Michael G July 30, 2010 at 12:58am

imagine tuiaki being fully fit and put in the forwards with fui one after each other hitting the line
- dennis collins > Michael G July 31, 2010 at 9:46am
  
  i reckon grothe is well over due to be replaced and who better than tuiaki to replace him all grothe is good for is getting injured , living of your old man,s reputation willl only last so long he has had a good run .
Ken Crapper July 30, 2010 at 6:22am

This is old news. I broke this story days ago. A point of note is that if Shinobi don't break into Triple J 's Hottest 100, and cafes continue to struggle under the current economic downturn, Guru ( Grothe) is likely to continue playing footy next year.
I'm Ken Crapper
Fui Fui July 30, 2010 at 9:50am

I reckon its a good move, a bit of risk involved but if it pays off then it'll be called a stroke of genius.

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.
- Stretchman > Fui Fui July 30, 2010 at 10:36am
  
  I do not know about that.. When backs suffer serious injuries they never are the same or can ever get back to anywhere near what they are capable of.. Another prime exmple of this was Ash Graham
Johnny Suede July 30, 2010 at 9:54am

Hate to say it, but once you've stuffed the ankle, you never really come back. I fractured mine 4 years ago and it's still rooted.
Blue & Gold Blood July 30, 2010 at 2:40pm

your not tuiaki! if his only getting 80k or so its worth the gamble!
- Clint > Blue & Gold Blood July 30, 2010 at 4:13pm
  
  He's an awesome player.... I think it is a risk, but definitely one worth taking in my opinion
big black guy July 30, 2010 at 5:58pm

exactely, im sure he'll be able to tear up, besides we have alot of depth at the club.

With all do respect Johny Suede, Tuiaki will have dedicated proffeisonals working to ensure his ankle recovers.
- the daniel > big black guy July 30, 2010 at 6:09pm
  
  everyone knows that there inside info from the tigers and parramatta came off this website.