Wests Tigers give broken winger Taniela Tuiaki a lucky break

WESTS Tigers have re-signed injury-ravaged winger Taniela Tuiaki for another season despite concerns his troublesome ankle may prematurely end his career.Tuiaki, who was the leading tryscorer for 2009 before suffering a badly broken ankle in a round 24 match against Parramatta, has accepted the life-line which will keep him in Tigertown for the 2011 season.The powerful Kiwi international was the 2009 Dally M Winger of the Year, and the Tigers are desperately hoping the giant winger can get back to his best after 12 months on the sidelines.After multiple operations, Tuiaki has not looked like playing at all this season and while a finals return hasn't been totally ruled out, it seems highly unlikely."The injury happened a year ago tomorrow and it was a significant one, said Tigers chief executive Stephen Humphreys.Related CoverageParra looms as new homeBroken wing: Tiger Tui must be patientInjury blow: Tuiaki off the paceWests Tigers: Tuiaki keeping his chin upParra looms as new home for Tuiaki Courier Mail, 29 Jul 2010Tuqiri, Tuiaki in power play Courier Mail, 7 Mar 2010Lote Tuqiri signs with Wests Tigers Herald Sun, 4 Feb 2010Tuiaki keeping his chin up Courier Mail, 10 Nov 2009Players on the knife edge Courier Mail, 10 Nov 2009"It has been a long road back for Taniela but he has worked extremely hard and we have been tireless in our support of his rehabilitation."Taniela is one of the most popular players at our club and whilst there is still some risk around him regaining peak fitness, we strongly believe it is the right decision to support him and provide him with this opportunity."Tuiaki said he was looking forward to the challenge ahead."I love the Wests Tigers and the support this club has given me, from players, officials and staff, has been terrific," said Tuiaki, who had been linked with a move to Parramatta"I will continue to work hard on my rehab with the aim being to regain my position in the NRL team."I really want to thank the Wests Tigers for their belief in me and I will do my best to repay them."

"Luai inked what could ultimately be a $6 million, five-year deal but it's since emerged he has an option to leave the club after just two seasons. “He's got a clause next year that if he chooses he can pull out the following year, but he's shown no…"

"I think thats the problem. He is too good for NSW cup so we are trying to jut fit him into the NRL team somehow . But in reality he is not a 6 or a 9. Just a fullback right now. During the recent pre-season Papalii only spent time training with…"

"The chances of him being our 6 next year are very low, if he was a serious consideration he would be playing 6 now with dylan at centre. I'll be very surprised if he is our starting 6 next season unless he gets a lot more time there this season. "

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Wests Tigers give broken winger Taniela Tuiaki a lucky break

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