Mark Tuafua.
Played Union till age 25.
Went to Newcastle Knights training to support his younger brother Larry, who was a good junior.
Long story short, Mark got a run for the Knights and Larry got cut from the squad and now plays Union.
Mark played firstgrade in his 6th game of league ever - had about an 80 game firstgrade career and retired after playing for Samoa in the World Cup.
icons42da_files/4921-2354mikeypl8-msnicons.jpgScience flies people to the moon. Religion flies people into buildings.:icons42da_files/4921-2354mikeypl8-msnicons.jpg
I'd expect more coming across but at a younger age and hence - being 'less profile' as a result. Issue RU faces is that the current way of playing seeks certain physiques for certain positions - particularly in the pack. Squat and heave = prop, lanky (6ft 6+) = back row so unless quick (centre battering ramrod wingers) there are a lot in RU clubs who've no progression route to pro rugby unless they consider a code switch...
Personal view, there will be ever more movements at 15/16/17/18 between codes as historic barriers and also new opportunities (outside the RL heartland) provide people with the chance to try...
Quote: mmp "I'd expect more coming across but at a younger age and hence - being 'less profile' as a result. Issue RU faces is that the current way of playing seeks certain physiques for certain positions - particularly in the pack. Squat and heave
Agreed. All RL clubs should offer free or very cheap season tickets to all school age bona fide playing members of all RU and community RL clubs in their area.
All views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of the RLFANS.COM or its subsites.
Whilst every effort is made to ensure that news stories, articles and images are correct, we cannot be held responsible for errors. However, if you feel any material on this website is copyrighted or incorrect in any way please contact us using the link at the top of the page so we can remove it or negotiate copyright permission.
RLFANS.COM, the owners of this website, is not responsible for the content of its sub-sites or posts, please email the author of this sub-site or post if you feel you find an article offensive or of a choice nature that you disagree with.