I have been very impressed by the evolution of Tepai this year. He is becoming a very good first grader and would not look out of place in a nsw jersey. I’m noticing some changes in the way he’s playing this year.
Do yourself a favour and jump on YouTube and watch some of his highlights as a schoolboy. He absolutely killed it as a barnstorming centre in union and he had pace and a step to go with the power. When he came to league he became a wide running second rower and his defence was absolutely brutal. Just watch the highlights of NYC in 2014 and u will see what I mean. He could also run a good line and was effective as an edge forward. He has a big highlight reel.
Since then he has developed slowly. People on this site have more than once said we should get rid of him. Which brings me to this year. In past seasons he rotated between an edge forward and a middle forward but this year he has played almost exclusively as a middle forward. For those that don’t know, lock is basically a third front rower these days and the roll is virtually the same.
He looks to have added some size and his defence this year has really had some sting in it. Older fans will remember Peter Johnson in the 90s who could put on a huge hit. He looks like he’s developing that aura about him. His carries are also more powerful and he looks like he’s found his fit and adapted his body to play in the middle.
Im amongst the Fergus, Paulo’s etc he’s doing an amazing job fir us and selectors could do worse than throwing him a rep jersey
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Always thought Tepai had a huge potential & always liked him as a player.
Stormed on the scene in 2014 and killed it. Had a shoulder problem in 2015/16, he smashed it on the right edge in 2017 running off the shoulder of Moses, last year he had concussion issues, but this year he’s seemed to have sorted out his issues & moved into the middle and looking more & more the player we thought he could be.
You watch his defense in NYC in 2014 on YouTube and you can see why he has had some concussion problems. Long may his form continue.
Also imo becoming a father one has to step up both on and off the field
Too true. I have 5 boys and yes it changes you for sure
He leads the line and is usually first into contact. Has a good work rate over decent minutes too.
Spot on Pou. It seems alot of what Tep does is completely unnnoticed by alot of supporters.
Used to love him. I even compared him to Sam Burgess early on. Thought he could be anything as a back rower but i was wrong. Definately not a rep. Or if he is has a long way to go. Even though he hits like a truck he gets caught out unbalanced by little guys that run at him and thats why hes been moved into the middle. Its a shame because he ran excellent lines. We cant afford a prop running those lines which only happen two or three times again and often require that line runner to patiently stay out of play. Furthermore he just doesnt take the amount of hit ups or eat the same amount of mtetres that other rep props do. If he was fit enough to take two hit ups some sets and stayed on the field for longer quality minutes i might change my mind. In saying all that i do like how he is playing but would love to see those improvements.
Highly overrated player , very limited skill set in attack poor ball handling also, can definitely defend but that seems about it .
watched McQueen slice through last night and had to draw the fullback to set his winger up..
l thought there is no way Tepi could throw a pass like that.
Tep is playing a lot better this season but I think he is best suited runing wide of the ruck. If he is to remain playing as a middle forward he needs to work on an offload, as does Alvaro. Both Tep and Alvaro need to hit the line spin their backs to the oposition and then look for offloads like Junior does. If we can get the from Tep and Alvaro we will have a much better forward pack.
It’s the best by far I’ve seen him play, really strong in defence and his carries are good as well. Every team needs someone who hits with sting and Teps doing that this year. Don’t think his up to Reps at this stage but playing well for us. Go Parra