For veteran Newcastle Knight Timana Tahu, his final game with the Club will always be memorable after scoring a double in the side’s convincing victory over the Illawarra Dragons on Sunday.
Past teammate, Anthony Quinn caught up with Tahu in the sheds after the season’s final match to reflect on the game and his rewarding career.
In the 19th minute, the 33-year-old centre powered over the line to score and then turned back the clock celebrating his try with his trademark slam-dunk over the goal posts.
“The boys were geeing me up probably all week about the dunk, I think a lot of fans wanted to see it, so I did a bit of practicing last week to see if I could do it and to see if the legs could get over it, but I’ve still got it,” Tahu said.
“I was lucky to get on the field early and to get an early try, my legs weren’t fatigued.
“I got my dunk in and got two tries and sent the fans away on a high and gave some entertainment for the old boys.
Tahu began his career at the Knights in 1999 and played 97 games for the Club scoring an incredible 332 points.
He moved on to play for the Parramatta Eels in 2005, the Penrith Panthers in 2011 before returning to his home club in 2012.
“For me, I probably wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Knights turning up at a Hunter region schoolboys trial and getting a free invite to get a trial with the Knights.
“I turned up with a mate’s pair of boots and the rest was history.
“I got to play and debut in 99 at 18 and it just kicked off from there.
“I won a premiership, played for my country, played NSW with my boss and CEO Matt Gidley.
“I have a lot of good memories with the Club.
“To finish off on a high was awesome, now I can move on and be happy with what I’ve done at the Club," he said.
But it’s not quite over yet for Tahu who will re-join the NSW Cup side for the preliminary final to be played next weekend.
“I have been down in Cup all year and the players, we’ve got a special bond together,” Tahu said.
“It’s a happy environment to be in and the boys are very passionate.
“After seeing the boys win yesterday, the confidence has gone up.
“I think if you believe you can win it, that’s all you need."
