Lote Tuqiri showed what can happen when the oldest player in the NRL winds back the clock, after producing a masterful performance for South Sydney on Friday night.
It’s been a lean few years on and off the field for the former dual-international, who at the height of his powers was the most sought after athlete across Australia’s two rugby codes.
But Tuqiri, just 14 days shy of his 35th birthday, saved one of the most memorable moments of his career for one of the biggest matches in Rabbitohs history, as they carved up Manly 40-24 at Allianz Stadium.
Leaping like Israel Folau, popping offloads like Sonny Bill and ball-playing like Johnathan Thurston, Tuqiri showed all the skills to propel Souths to the commanding 22-0 halftime lead which could launch them towards a first premiership since 1971.
Tuqiri struggled to keep up to pace in his early chances in 2014 and spent time in reserve grade after he was thrown a lifeline by Souths this year following just four games for Wests Tigers last season and his early exit from Irish rugby club Leinster in the wake of an off-field scandal.
But since shaving his famous locks a few weeks ago, Tuqiri has done a reverse-Sampson and regained his powers.
Tuqiri humiliated opposite number Jorge Taufua on a sorry night for the Sea Eagles winger, who earlier this year was being touted for State of Origin honours.
Following a bad night under the high ball last week against North Queensland, Taufua was peppered again by the boot of Souths’ halfback Adam Reynolds and the terrifying shadow cast by a rejuvenated Tuqiri.
The highlight came in the 27th minute when Tuqiri flew high over Taufua in the right-hand corner to crash down in a breathtaking piece of athleticism for a man weighing more than 100kg.
He also sent Greg Inglis on a 70 metre charge downfield with a choice offload and centre Dylan Walker haring through a gap with a pin-point pass.
All this from a man who appeared finished as an NRL player midway through this season.
Souths coach Michael Maguire was desperate for wingers, with Bryson Goodwin and Nathan Merritt out of form.
Tuqiri has finally answered the call and his experience as a 2000 premiership winner with Brisbane and countless State of Origin, Kangaroos and Wallabies appearances makes him a valuable asset for a Bunnies team with plenty of momentum.
Silver Sovereign
Guest
Does anyone know the rabbits record since lote got a regular wing spot in the second half of this season? It seems like ever since he became a fixture this year souths have been winning nearly every game. And he almost always scores a try every game. It seems his experience has rubbed off on this fairly young Souths team
oli
Guest
I'm happy for Lote, awesome try, liked him to stay at the Tiges, good luck to the Bunnies!
Bunny Lord
Guest
Thank God for Lote, is all I'll say. He's been going great guns for us this year. Let's hope he puts in a performance as good, if not better, than that of last night in two weeks.
Ret
Guest
His try was almost a carbon copy of his effort in the RWC final-eleven years ago.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Never underestimate a champion irrespective of how bad or how "apparently" low his career was, Lote is a champion and 2014 will be his year, he is determined he is gaining back his exceptional running skills and attack that he so disastrously lost throughout his troubled years with the ARU and the NRL. I 've got a hunch that Lote this year is out to prove everyone wrong and to regain the true Lote Tuqiri of old so the opposition better watch out because Loti ain't no guy to mess with when he is in this type of form and gaining confidence.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
I was bewildered when Souths signed Lote but he has been a great buy for the team. I'm sure his experience will help the team through the next few weeks as well.
jonesy
Guest
Gotta love Lote. The reverse Samson all the way.