VAI
Kennel Addict
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By Nick Walshaw | December 01, 2008 12:00am
MEET Conrad Ta'akimoeaka - the unknown Aucklander who walked out on a lucrative five-year Japanese rugby contract to have a crack at the NRL.
Signed on with the Bulldogs, Ta'akimoeaka weighs 100kg, stands 184cm and has been described by Belmore insiders as "one big, tough hombre".
So while Benji Marshall and co. continue with threats to jump ship, this unassuming backrower is hurtling in the other direction.
"My sole aim is to make first grade, definitely," Ta'akimoeaka says. "That's why I've given up a five-year rugby contract . . . I want to pursue this dream."
Still only 24, the boom Kiwi actually signed on at Belmore last year but went unnoticed after injuring his knee in a trial game.
He had a knee reconstruction and missed the entire season.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,24730901-5006066,00.html
MEET Conrad Ta'akimoeaka - the unknown Aucklander who walked out on a lucrative five-year Japanese rugby contract to have a crack at the NRL.
Signed on with the Bulldogs, Ta'akimoeaka weighs 100kg, stands 184cm and has been described by Belmore insiders as "one big, tough hombre".
So while Benji Marshall and co. continue with threats to jump ship, this unassuming backrower is hurtling in the other direction.
"My sole aim is to make first grade, definitely," Ta'akimoeaka says. "That's why I've given up a five-year rugby contract . . . I want to pursue this dream."
Still only 24, the boom Kiwi actually signed on at Belmore last year but went unnoticed after injuring his knee in a trial game.
He had a knee reconstruction and missed the entire season.
http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/sport/nrl/story/0,26799,24730901-5006066,00.html