Softly spoken second-row hitman Sitaleki Timani has the chance to fulfil a dream and follow in the footsteps of Australia’s Tongan-bred Wallabies.
The strapping 203cm Waratahs lock was one of seven uncapped players named on Sunday in a 40-man squad for Australia’s five pre-World Cup Tests.
While Nathan Sharpe and James Horwill appear to be the favourites for the lock spots, Timani, Reds youngster Rob Simmons and Waratahs veteran Dan Vickerman are among those also vying for a position.
After being a peripheral player at the Force and Brumbies, 24-year-old Timani flourished at NSW this year.
He became a fixture in the injury-ravaged Waratahs lineup in the latter part of the Super campaign and relished an enforcer-type role, although on a couple of memorable occasions, he took out some of his teammates.
“Towards the end of the year they gave me more opportunities and more games and I got more confident to play my game,” Timani said.
Born in Tonga, Timani got a scholarship to Auckland Grammar School, but ultimately ended up in Australia after unsuccessfully trying out for the New Zealand Schoolboys team.
Growing up, Timani followed the Wallabies, especially their players of Tongan heritage.
“Watching George Smith, Mark Gerrard … I followed the Wallabies when I grew up because a few Tongan players, like Toutai Kefu as well, played for the Wallabies,” Timani said.
Tongan officials were keen to secure his services, with his older brother and fellow lock Sione, 26, having already played three Tests for that nation, but Timani said choosing Australia wasn’t a difficult decision.
“I got a phone call on Thursday night, from (Wallabies’ coach) Robbie Deans, so It wasn’t too hard, I came over straight away,” Timani said.
“It means a lot. I came down here (to Australia) five years ago and dreamt of being a Wallaby and five years later, here I am. It’s a dream come true.”
Timani’s first Test opportunity could come as soon as Sunday against Samoa in Sydney.
Also in line for a debut is Rebels halfback Nick Phipps.
With Luke Burgess injured, Phipps could share time with first-choice halfback Will Genia, though he didn’t allow himself to dwell on that possibility on Monday.
If selected, he will continue a fine Phipps tradition as his grandfather and great uncle, both called Jim, played for the Wallabies.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Mitchell is still one of the loosest top wingers playing the game at international level. I think the alleged tightening is simply a natural adjunct of improving as a player rather than any amazing coaching.
Johnno
Guest
Timani is 6'8 and strong and physical and athletic, not many men around that are big strong athletic and 6'8. He will be a star for the world cup i hope he doesn't get injured. His duel with Lawes of England will be great of they meet, and he will have Andries beaker and bakes botha shaking in there boots. he might even give SBW a good fight if SBW tries to rough him up. SBW is only 6'3, matt banahagn is 6'7. Andries beaker is about 6'8 to , as is Englands veteran Simon Shaw. But there is something really good about Timani , he could be the wallabies X factor this world cup a bit like willie Ofangahoue was in 1991 World Cup.
AndyS
Guest
Agree wrt Mitchell, although I suspect it was probably more a case of Mitchell being assured a spot at the Force regardless with no-one to pressure him for the spot. He has freely admitted that while there he was happy to just drift through games, getting involved for a bit and then going to sleep. Bit different with Timani. He played for the Spirit, looked to be progressing well and was one of those players whose development was particularly stifled by the cancellation of the ARC. But my recollection is that there was not much the Force could do about playing him at Super level, as he wasn't naturalised and they were obliged by ARU dispensation to only play him if there was no other fit player in the team for his position. I don't know if the Brumbies had the same obligation when he moved there, but he's obviously been naturalised now.
johnny-boy
Guest
Amen to that - and hallelujah as well
Jerry
Guest
"Kepu is arguably our most important player" It'd have to be a bloody good argument. He's completely unproven - in fact untested - at test level and the Wallabies have shown in the past they don't actually need forward dominance, or even parity, to win.
jameswm
Guest
Look how well Mitchell has done with the Tahs - really tightened up his game. Not sure how much it has to do with the coaching staff, but maybe being in an environment where success is expected. Expectations were lower at the Force.
Ben S
Roar Guru
Power is a smokescreen. The best packs in the world are the best technically. The South African pack has phenomenal power, but has had technical issues over recent seasons which means the threat of the forwards has largely been bypassed. The Wallaby pack has been poor over recent seasons because it has clearly been poorly coached. The lineouts have been hit and miss, the scrummaging has been incredibly hit and miss, the re-starts have been very weak, and the counter-rucking has largely been non-existent. Good forward play isn't about how much your locks can clean and jerk.
levelheaded
Guest
How well has Sita and the Waratahs done in turning this terrific player into a star this year. Too many articles criticising the Waratahs and here we go, another piece of evidence of their capability in transforming players to become outstanding contributors to the game. Hat off to the Waratahs and Sita - well done!
jameswm
Guest
and Samo. A bit of power there too.
Chris
Guest
Agreed. And Kepu. If you rank player importance in terms of depth in the position and the adage that the games are won in the forwards, Kepu is arguably our most important player, just in front of TPN (who has good backup in Moore and Hanson). We have good depth in the backs and in the back 5 of the scrum (especially with Timani) but our front row stocks are still relatively thin. Unfortunately, the front row is our biggest perceived and actual weakness. Kepu has been part of the best Australian S 15 scrum and has really improved his work around the park. Given the importance of banishing the perception that we have a weak scrum from the vert first test I do not understand why selectors would start with Alexeander at THP this weekend when Kepu is almost as good around the field and infinitely better at scrum time. Player loyalty cannot be allowed to hamper the team and in the case of the scrum we do not have the luxury of starting guys based on loaylty. Mumm needs to be jettisoned for the same reason. In summary, we could cover a loss to QC, Genia or KB and we could also cover the loss of TPN but we really struggle if we lose Kepu or Slipper.
kingplaymaker
Roar Guru
If the Wallabies could get a fit Palu, TPN and Timani on the field together they would have enough power to counter any pack. Power int he pack has been a big problem for them in recent years.