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Taqele Naiyaravoro 1 of 5 players released by Western Force
By Ian Cameron
The Western Force has confirmed the exit of former Wallaby Taqele Naiyaravoro, who will leave the club alongside four other players - it has been announced.
Tim Anstee, Chase Tiatia, Ryan Coxon, Ben Funnell and the aforementioned Naiyaravoro will leave the club at the end of their contracts on June 30.
Anstee played 45 games over five seasons, earning the Nathan Sharpe Medal in 2022. Tiatia, with 27 games in two seasons, was the joint-leading try scorer with six tries in 2024. Funnell, Coxon, and Naiyaravoro joined on injury replacement contracts in 2024, providing valuable contributions during their brief tenure with the club.
Taqele Naiyaravoro didn't play a single game for the Force in his short time at the club. The 6'5, 130kg winger had previously lined out for the Waratahs, Northampton Saints, Glasgow Warriors and the Panasonic Wildknights, and won a solitary cap for the Wallabies back in 2016.
The Western Force thanked all five of the departing players in a statement. “Chase and his partner Eaden will leave the Force at the end of June having fully immersed themselves into the Club and Perth for the last two years. He will be missed by the close friends he has made here and the Sea of Blue," said Force general manager of rugby Chris Goodman.
“Tim and his partner Samantha have contributed positively to the club on and off the field for the last five seasons. Tim's hard work and dedication is acknowledged by everyone at the club including the Sea of Blue to whom he is a favourite. Tim has always been a team man and a hell of an athlete.
“We wish all these players the best of luck for their future endeavours.”
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A couple of points after a quick read. Lolesio is NOT "metamorphosing quickly into the 10" every Aussie wanted. He is a major project and is about 1/4 of the journey thru that projects time. Also Nick LF was always a centre wing in NZ. Was always considered as that by his coaches inc Razor. Sure his rep stuff has been as wing but thats just a selection that filled a need.
Its a bit like asking "Can NZ turn Jordan into a fullback" as he's always been one but was selected by Foster as a winger and did OK at it eh.
Go to commentsThe nsw and qld teams do look stronger for 2025. Do you think Dan M might take longer to get success as he is new and has a new squad?
Also great mention of the Penrith Emus. The neglect of rugby in Sydney outside the 'traditional' private school areas has had a lasting effect with many sports fans in Sydney. They wouldn't know or care when the wallabies play.
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