Mick Leary, Panthers CEO has confirmed that the Penrith Panthers have begun talks with troubled NRL star Timana Tahu for the season.
Tahu, who has hit the big 30, is now a free agent, following his release from the Eels in late 2010, as Leary hopes to coax Tahu into playing once more in the mountains of Penrith.
“I had a chat with Timana and his manager last Friday and put an offer to him,†Leary said yesterday.
“Through media speculation I believe Cronulla is also interested in him. We’re keen to have him and are awaiting his decision.â€
Should Tahu sign with the Panthers, he would partner NSW centre Michael Jennings in the team – a combination that on ability alone, would be one of the most dangerous in the NRL.
“It would be good to have them both in our squad but I am not going to jump the gun,†Leary said. “Hopefully it does happen if Timana signs with us.â€
With negativity surrounding Tahu for almost the entire 2010 season, Leary believes that despite all that, there will not be any distractions as a result of any move that may take place.
“I am not concerned about that at all. After meeting him I was very impressed with his attitude,†he said.