I don't know why anyone hasn't said this before, but the idea of giving this kid a contract is ludicrous. He's completely unproven - he has a few highlight reels to show of, but aside from that he's an unknown quantity. This would be a giant fuck you to all the lads in the training squads, even bigger than signing any form of league player.
The coaching is what worries meYes and no..
He has come through the same NZ Schoolboy tournament and been selected in a nZ team that has unearthed some of the worlds best players. The NZRU aren't exactly known for throwing money at a player who hasn't demonstrated his potential or value, for them to offer him a contract as an 18yr old is indicative of this.
As for the youtube clip, of course it doesn't demonstrate his scrummaging ability because thats not highlight worthy, what it does demonstrate is someone who is 135kg who has fast twitch fibres and enormous power. Scrummaging is about power and strength, the fast twitch he demonstrated in running is indicative of the power and strength he could exert in a scrum if coached correctly.
No one's saying he will be the Wallaby saviour at the 2015 RWC, thats not going to happen, but he is an exciting prospect and its good to see Australian Rugby capture a player with raw talent like his.
The Reds scrum in 2014 was the best it has been in years
Steve Mafi Sam Wykes both Tongans at the Force.
His brother is also working in the mines no better place is aus to be a miner than WA.
I would say where brother Criff resides at present is where Taniela, the "Tongan Thor" will live. It is not necessarily about the Tongan community within the Waratahs, or mining in WA.
For instance, if brother Criff works at a mine in Whoop Whoop, but has his home at Logan near Brisbane, then the Reds would have the box seat; if at Parramatta, then the Waratahs, etc.
P.S. anyone know whereabouts brother Criff lives?
The coaching is what worries me
1. A kid
2. Never packed in a real scrum
3. Famous for non-prop stuff
4. Bigger and faster than peers
5. Seems like the move to Aus would be because he isn't picked in the top teams etc there
Never say never, but unlikely he'd be worth the time.
OOO update haha
Answers the all black pic in the announcement!!!
reckon he could be a hooking option? He has immense speed and skill, which may be better utilised from hooker? Becomes a valuable centrepoint to the scrum without the more intense pressure that lies on the props.
This Tongan Thor thing sounds too good to be true, and we all know when something is too good to be true.
There has to be some reason why some of the Kiwi schoolboy selectors have decided not to back him. They are usually fairly astute at talent recognition.