Lote Tuqiri is adamant he can still be a force as readies to debut for South Sydney 15 years after his first NRL game.
The 34-year-old dual international was one of the game’s most devastating runners in his early career with Brisbane but injuries have severely curtailed him since he returned to the NRL in 2010 after seven years in rugby union.
Only signed by Souths in late January after a short stint with English rugby union’s Leicester Tigers, Tuqiri is expected to play in Thursday’s showcase NRL season-opening match against premiers Sydney Roosters, due to a host of injuries in the Rabbitohs’ camp.
He managed just 25 game in his previous three seasons with Wests Tigers due mainly to complications with a broken arm.
But he says he is confident he can use his vast experience to be a factor once again.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t think I could handle it and still mix it with the young guys coming through,” Tuqiri said on Monday.
“I’m blessed I have the chance to be part of this team.
“I’ve probably been in the wilderness injury-wise. But I’m back now and I’ve been injury-free since the end of last year so I’m happy to be here at a good club.
“I am here to bring experience, I talk a lot on the field and probably bring a calming energy as well.
“I’ve had to bring some other things to my arsenal to get (selected) in teams and to break down defences over the last few years because I’m not getting any younger.”
Tuqiri will come up against two of the game’s best young wingers in Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and Daniel Tupou on Thursday and is relishing the challenge.
“They had a great year last year, Tuivasa-Sheck in particular, his footwork is phenomenal,” Tuqiri said.
“Whether I come up against him or Tupou on the other side, I will have my hands full.
“But I will get my game squared away first and then hopefully they can think about me as well.”
Dave
Guest
Great servant of the game, but like many, fail to recognise that age has caught up. Lote was a serious winger...fast, strong and reliable. Now he is an injury prone, old, slowish outside back. To be fair to Lote, the Tigers do have a wealth of young outside backs they Need to keep for the future. At Lote's age there is not future in keeping him on the payroll. He is obviously a backup at Souths.Good luck to him.
The Tippy Tipster
Guest
Don't know what the 34-year-old has to offer after being shown the door at the Tigers and rugby union. Pieces of his past are being left out of his resume. Most likely result is that Lote gets more out of it than South Sydney will. And hopefully daughters and wives will be safe. Time will tell...
up in the north
Guest
Yeah I'm happy for him too. Don't forget he is there not only for what he can do on the field, but also for the little 1%ers off the field. Someone in the warren must feel there is a need for his experience, so it may just be a very shrewd decision.
Brett the Manly fan
Guest
I am honestly happy to hear that he is back in League....I was sad when he left for Union at the end of last year