Tahu shows All Stars the way
Wednesday 13 February 2013 9:08 AM
An elated Timana Tahu said after starring in the Indigenous All Stars win over the NRL All Stars on Saturday night that he never thought he would get the chance to play representative football again.
“I can’t thank Laurie Daley enough for the opportunity to represent the Indigenous All Stars,” he told Knights TV.
“It has been a big week and we all really put in for each other to get the result.
“I can’t wait to get home to my kids and enjoy a couple of days with them before we head off to Coffs Harbour.”
Normally a centre for the Knights, Tahu was given the task of playing back row for the Indigenous All Stars.
“It was a very difficult job,” Tahu said.
“I only played a few minutes in before getting a break which was good.
“When you come in to a team like this you don’t care what position you get put in, it is just a number on your back at the end of the day.”
Like Tahu, Knights forward Willie Mason, made his All Stars debut on the weekend after being selected in the team by Wayne Bennett.
“I was happy that both Aku and Willie made the All Stars team this year,” Tahu said.
“I was especially happy for Willie after what he did for us last year.
“To come half way through the season and play the way he did, he is a natural-born leader.”
Tahu said a highlight of being part of this year’s All Stars was the chance to lead his team during the Indigenous War Cry. Click here to watch
“It is something I wanted to do and after watching it on TV over the past couple of years I felt it was my responsibility to show the boys the way,” Tahu explained.
“I was a real honour and something I learnt when I was playing with the Maori's.
“Hopefully next year it gets even better and is imprinted in the boys brains.”
On top of his duties for the All Stars, Tahu also coached the Newcastle Yowies during Friday night’s Murri v Koori Challenge.
“I was really proud of the boys, there were 11 or 12 players of our original team who couldn’t play due to the rules being a bit tighter,” he said.
“We told the boys to come up here and enjoy the experience and they did.
“I was a little disappointed that we lost in extra time but for them to get to come up here and experience the All Stars week, will be memories that they will treasure forever.”