Waratahs snap up NRL winger to bolster outside backs
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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It’s going to be Scott Barrett. He’s the coaches mate and captain of a previously elite team. Ardie a great option but scooter has worked with the coach and Ardie still as big a leader as needed.
Go to commentsI commend Colin Scotts bio All Balls. He was the first Aussie to make it to NFL. But he was poached and did a full apprenticeship at the University of Hawaii. He was 130kgs surfed played 1st grade cricket etc. big guy by normal but not NFL standards and a top athlete. Even then the nfl were picking up Tongans and Samoans for their natural size and explosive power. They want explosive power not cardio from the big boys so a guy like Taniela Tupou would have been good if picked up young enough. He has fast twitch and they’d bulk the little lad up and give him something to do. soccer teams set up academies and look for Over Sara’s talent eg Messi was at Barcelona since a teenager and harry kewell went to Leeds as a teenager like 16 or something.
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