Looks like the kind of lunatic that will end up in super league.


Arana Taumata


Just sacked by Melbourne Storm for fighting (his 4th sacking in 3 years)
Previously with Brisbane Broncos, Sydney Roosters, Canterbury Bulldogs.

He's a tallented player with lightning pace, has a great step, good kickin game and is deceptively strong. His support play has had him compared with Terry Lamb (the best support player I've ever seen).

At 19 years old he obviously has some growing up and maturing to do!
Some of the best coaches in the RL world (Bennett, Ballamy, Folks, Stuart) have rated his talent but have been unable to calm him down off the field.

At just 19 years old he has time on his side and with the right coach he could become a superstar.

Before passing coment I suggest you Google his name or check out a video site to see him play.

Arana Taumata

Date of Birth
15/04/1989
Position
Stand Off/Halfback
Height
182 cm
Weight
88 kg
Debut
2008
Pedigree
Discovered by Brisbane rugby league scouts at an early age in New Zealand, Taumata made the move across the Tasman in his teens, becoming a high school prodigy along the way. Had short stints at Brisbane, Sydney Roosters and Canterbury, with the Bulldogs handing him an NRL debut in 2008. Taumata, who grew up idolizing New Zealand rugby union star Christian Cullen, played for Junior Kiwis in 2007 and NZ Maori last year.

Preview '08
Simply put: Taumata is an athlete. He possesses tremendous physical attributes for such a young age. A classy five-eighth, Taumata is expected to put pressure on Craig Bellamy to give him a shot at No.6, in a move that could see Greg Inglis return to the centres.

An overseas Sam Tomkins with a poor attitude.

We won't go near him.

Depending on injuries and how we play, maybe Nobby will look at this guy for a mid-season signing. I dont know alot about him, but a player with this sort of track record is not the sort you want in your team, but he is young and has alot to learn.

I'll bet this guy isn't one of those IL is referring to.
At this stage it might well be a British player.
The only way an overseas player may come here is if, say, Phelps or another overseas player went out on a season's loan.
Sunday Phelps played like he was playing for his place.
Odds on too that the player is a prop.

Be very interesting to see what happens over the next few days. I also think it will be a Prop.

IMO the new signing wil be cover at half-back. No idea about who he could be looking at though.

On the coaching front i have heard that Farrell is definately a target for a role at the club when he finishes playing.

He looks quality!!

Pity he's had more clubs than Nick Faldo though.

I agree.

It would be a disgrace to see BN sacked for an un-experienced (in RL) RU coach. Bring him in as a coach working with BN by all means but I would be very annoyed if he were to be the head coach.

Correct

Well he has changed his tune in the space of five days:

[url=http://www.wigantoday.net/warriors/No-signings-before-season-starts.4930433.jpNo signings before season starts[/url

Make your mind up Ian!

Dave

Possibly because someone has become available that meets the coache's criteria. God forbid RLFans not to know about it.

Read the quotes, on 30th Jan:

Lenagan had previously raised the prospect of making another signing, finances permitting, but says any new faces are likely to be added to the squad during the season – and not before the opening game of the campaign, against Wakefield on February 8.

""I think it will be unlikely by the start of the season," Lenagan admitted on the eve of the Warriors' final pre-season friendly at neighbours Leigh this Sunday."

And then on 3rd Feb:

Warriors chairman Ian Lenagan has not ruled out a third signing ahead of Sunday's Super League opener against Wakefield Wildcats at the JJB Stadium.

Lenagan said: "We might get one more in – we are talking to a couple of players.
"Whether they will become available in the next few days or weeks or not at all is something I can't predict, but we've got to be ready."

I know things can change but come on this is a U turn any politician would be proud of.

Dave

I agree with you in regards to there are a lot of mixed PR comments coming out of the club but with this one it's a little on the flimsy side.

He said in the first quote that ""I think it will be unlikely by the start of the season," then in the 2nd one he's said "Whether they will become available in the next few days or weeks or not at all is something I can't predict, but we've got to be ready." He's hardly giving a specific date nor has he categorically said we wont have any one before the first game or anyone at all for that matter.

He's still saying he's not fully sure of when they will come but when they are ready we'll be ready to grab them quick.

Either way it sounds like we get another signing much sooner that most of us thought!
So which position do we think he should take?
For me, prop!

I think you need to understand the definition of "unlikely" Dave. He also said unlikely before the start of the season. The second quote also says something "might" happen in days or weeks which could mean after the start of the season, and could also mean something may not happen.

I'd hardly call this a u-turn.

I wouldn't have though too many clubs would be willing to part with a player on the eve of the season.

So if we are to bring anyone in it must be an overseas player (with Phelps possibly out on loan...)

We really are clutching at any straws we can Dave to bash IL, aren't we?

I simply find it unlikely we started talking to two players who might sign before Sunday no sooner was the ink dry on the print of him saying it was unlikely we'd get another signing before the start of the season. That would require negotiations to be concluded, contracts drawn up and registration completed in less than a week.

Dave

Agreed i see no U-turn at all, in his first quote he said unlikely in his second quote he said might, hardly a massive contradiction in terms.

I still find it amusing that some expect the chairman to be transparent with all his dealings.

Seems to me all we can gather from this latest "u-turn" is that the club are trying to bring in a player sooner rather than later...........burn them!!!!!

Lenagan's original quoted comments in no way suggest that we couldn't have been talking to players. It's just that at the time it was "unlikely" they'd be signed "before the start of the season". Like I said, hardly a u-turn.

Anyway when Sonny Bill Williams signs at 23:59 on Saturday we'll all be happy.

I can think of one or two who'd find a problem with it. Ah well, such is life when you follow Wigan.

I wonder if Taumata's availability is the reason for this massive "u-turn" from IL from unlikely to might.

Despite what Noble continues to say about how he is happy with the half back partnership, it is clear we have been looking for a specialist 6, no inside line on this just thinking out loud, if we could break the mould and tame him a half back partnership for the next decade of Taumata and Tomkins would be a mouth watering prospect.

I have not seen much of this kid but he clearly has the talent, i have noticed him being mentioned by a few pundits from the NRL as the player to watch in 09, and anyone being earmarked by the press at least to shift Inglis to centre to accomodate them can be no slouch.

Only if he gets clearence and is fit to play the following day otherwise thanks but no thanks!