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Waratahs snap up NRL winger to bolster outside backs

By AAP
(Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The NSW Waratahs have bolstered their outside backs with the signing of versatile Manly star Tevita Funa.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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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Bull Shark 3 hours ago
Jake White: Are modern rugby players actually better?

Of the rugby I’ve born witness to in my lifetime - 1990 to date - I recognize great players throughout those years. But I have no doubt the game and the players are on average better today. So I doubt going back further is going to prove me wrong. The technical components of the game, set pieces, scrums, kicks, kicks at goal. And in general tactics employed are far more efficient, accurate and polished. Professional athletes that have invested countless hours on being accurate. There is one nation though that may be fairly competitive in any era - and that for me is the all blacks. And New Zealand players in general. NZ produces startling athletes who have fantastic ball skills. And then the odd phenomenon like Brooke. Lomu. Mcaw. Carter. Better than comparing players and teams across eras - I’ve often had this thought - that it would be very interesting to have a version of the game that is closer to its original form. What would the game look like today if the rules were rolled back. Not rules that promote safety obviously - but rules like: - a try being worth 1 point and conversion 2 points. Hence the term “try”. Earning a try at goals. Would we see more attacking play? - no lifting in the lineouts. - rucks and break down laws in general. They looked like wrestling matches in bygone eras. I wonder what a game applying 1995 rules would look like with modern players. It may be a daft exercise, but it would make for an interesting spectacle celebrating “purer” forms of the game that roll back the rules dramatically by a few versions. Would we come to learn that some of the rules/combinations of the rules we see today have actually made the game less attractive? I’d love to see an exhibition match like that.

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