Former Parramatta forward gunning for midfield role with Waratahs

Former Parramatta NRL rugby league forward Tepai Moeroa is trying to establish himself as a centre with the NSW Waratahs Super Rugby team.

Moeroa played 112 games in six seasons with the Eels, for who he lined up for in the front and second rows.

He played union in in the backs as a schoolboy and is back there in his early weeks with the 'Tahs.

"I've been training out there but you never know what happens, (if I) get pushed into flanker one game, but I''ve been training in the centre and it's been going well," Moeroa said.

"You don't understand how technical it actually is to play the forwards in union, so there's a lot more to the game that I'd have to pick up and I'd have to learn.

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"I'm doing well in the backs at the moment, so I think we'll stick to that for now."

Moeroa said he always wanted to return to rugby and ultimately would like to represent Australia.

"I'm 24. If I left it another couple of years I'd be 26 and be thinking it's a bit too late to make that transition," he said.

"I've got a couple of years to hopefully cement my spot - hope it doesn't take that long (and) takes one pre season, but now would be the time to come back and give it a red hot crack."'

NSW play their first Super Rugby game away to defending champions the Crusaders on February 1.

- AAP

The NRL media aren't very happy with Rugby Australia: