Written by STEVE MASCORD, March 20, 2015
HE was clubless at the start of the year and recruited by Parramatta coach Brad Arthur in Bali, but Brad Takairangi is close to securing his future.
The rug was pulled out from under the Cook Islands international when he signed a contract to transfer from Gold Coast to Wests Tigers this year, only for the joint venture club to renege.
“I just signed for one year but hopefully I can get it sorted sooner rather than later,” Takairangi tells League Week.
“Brad Arthur is awesome, he’s such a good coach. I learn something new every day under him. You hear a lot of people talk about how good he is but you don’t understand until you’re actually coached by him.
“I know I had one of my best pre-seasons.”
Takaraingi admits it’s a relief to be away from the Titans given all their pre-season dramas.
“Definitely – I feel a bit sorry for the boys up there but in saying that I’m loving my footy and glad to be back home in Sydney,” he says.
“I still keep in touch with them. I’m hoping (they overcome everything). My brother-in-law is up there, Eddy Pettybourne. I speak to him all the time and I do hope they can come through this.”
The former Titan says everyone has taken on more responsibility at the Eels since the departure of Jarryd Hayne.
“I’m only new to the team but Normy (Corey Norman) and Chrissy (Sandow) had a massive pre-season and they really stepped up,” he says.
“They are leading the boys out there on the training paddock and it proved (against Manly) when it got tough that they controlled the team.
“Our shapes benefit my sort of play. We’ve got forward who will lay a platform and halves who know how to feed the outside backs. It’s only up from here.”
While rucks are quicker, Takarairangi says it’s not making much of a difference to the Eels.
“I don’t really notice it, to be honest,” he says.
Replies
Isn't it good to have new players publically coming out and saying how good BA is.
Makes other players want to come and play for us.Makes a pleasant change from the crap of the last 7 or so years
Reminds me of Mick Vella
He's definitely shown he has the ball skills and defense to be our permanent left centre.
Yes.
Someone needs to go and mention he only wants to play for Brad. That will fire them up lol
He puts Morgan to shame
He's gone. I heard this a few days ago from a good mate who is close to senior people at the club.
Hopefully the coaching staff know this and keep him on the ball and Taka has matured a little bit.
Having other Cook Islands players in the side would definitely assist him and he has obviously bonded to Tepai.
Definitely worth keeping !
I agree with you Fathead.
I think Tepai will be a good role model in terms of performance, execution and delivery for Taka to gauge a standard required for NRL week in and week out. I haven't seen this guy play before but I like that he tackles well, able to asses the defense to set up his winger and looks to be a team player.
My vote is sign him up.
Yes, Cook Islanders will bond and support each other, that's awesome.
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