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Waratahs snap up NRL winger to bolster outside backs
By AAP
The NSW Waratahs have bolstered their outside backs with the signing of versatile Manly star Tevita Funa.
Funa penned a one-year deal with NSW Rugby which will see him remain at Daceyville until at least the end of the 2022 Super Rugby season.
The talented outside back was Manly's Rookie of the Year in 2020, scoring five tries in 12 NRL games in his debut season.
Funa's acquisition will provide plenty of options in the backs for the Waratahs, as the speedy attacking player played full-back, wing and centre in the NRL.
The former Sea Eagle is looking forward to the transition to the 15-man game and hoping to make his mark at fullback.
"I'm really excited about the challenge of changing codes and the chance for a fresh start," Funa said. "I played rugby when I was younger so am hoping that will help me with the adjustment.
"The Waratahs are one of the most iconic teams in rugby and I'm thankful for the opportunity they have given me.
"I'd love to chance my arm at fullback, but equally am happy to play on the wing or in the centres, I just love to get the ball in hand."
NSW Waratahs Head Coach Darren Coleman was excited to gain a player of Funa's potential and temperament.
"First and foremost, he ticked all the boxes from the character checks that we did on him. Tevita's a very dedicated and focused player which is really important," Coleman said.
"As a player he's a good all-round package, he's a big body, tall and good in the air, good speed and great footwork.
"He's got a rugby background which should take him less time to adapt and coming out of a good program at Manly we know he'll fit in as a professional."
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i think Argentina v France could be a good game too, depending on which Argentina turns up. The most difficult to call is Scotland Australia.
Go to commentsSmith is playing a different game with the rest of the backs struggling to understand. That's the problem with so called playmakers, if nobody gets what they're doing then it often just leads to a turnover. It gets worse when Borthwick changes one of them, which is why they don't score points at the end. Sometimes having a brilliant playmaker can be problematic if a team cannot be built around them. Once again Borthwick seems lacking in either coaching or selection. I can't help but think it's the latter coupled with pressure to select the big name players.
Lastly, his forward replacements are poor and exposed either lack of depth or selection pressure. Cole hemorrhages scrum penalties whenever he comes on, opponents take advantage of the England scrum and close out the game. Is that the best England can offer?
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