It was revealed today that former Newcastle Knights and Parramatta Eels flyer Timana Tahu harbored plans to become an All Black with his transition to the Rugby Union game this year.
The classy outside back revealed on New Zealand TV tonight that he personally approached former Kiwi Rugby Union man, and now Wallabies coach Robbie Deans and discussed a possible move to Super 14 team the Canterbury Crusaders with a view to moving into the famous All Black Rugby Union side.
Such is the lure of the All Black side that several Rugby League stars have become virtual traitors and have crossed country borders to play in the world renowned NZ rep side. The last in recent times was Brisbane Broncos and Australian Rep Brad Thorn who left Rugby League for Union and donned the All Black strip for several matches.
While Timana Tahu eventually signed with the NSW Warratahs, he has hinted that after his professional Rugby Union days are finished he is keen to represent the NZ Maori team; a fitting role for Tahu, himself a son of Maori father and a Aboriginal mother.
As Rugby League diehards ponder a lost star to Rugby Union, the concern shouldn’t last long. Each time an NRL or League star has crossed code borders a new, improved and younger version appears. As Tahu leaves the Eels, the talented junior pool at Parramatta consisting of Kris Inu, Jarryd Hayne and Taulima Tautai are quickly ready to take up the slack. The Eels also bolstered by the 2007 off-season signing of Joe Galuvao who joins Parramatta for the 2008 NRL campaign.
* The Parramatta Eels have also followed in the footsteps of South Sydney for 2008; launching their own ‘ParraTV’ service. Launched at www.ParraTV.com.au this is a service available to subscribers only – where they can watch behind the scenes TV footage of the Parramatta Eels team; footage shot by Eels insiders during the 2008 season. At smart move by the Eels, who obviously saw potential revenue streams from the program developed by Russell Crowe at South Sydney.