Waratahs-bound Tepai Moeroa clinging on to his final days in rugby league
His rugby league contract expires at the end of the month but NSW Waratahs bound Tepai Moeroa wants one more league hitout.
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Tepai Moeroa could quite easily be putting his feet up now as he prepares himself for his cross-code switch. But the NSW Waratahs bound Moeroa couldn’t resist the urge to prolong his rugby league career — even if its just for the World Cup Nines.
Moeroa said he had no hesitation to play when asked.
He is also considering extending his commitment in helping the Cook Islands prosper even when his rugby league contract expires at the end of next month by playing in a 2021 World Cup qualifier against the US in Jacksonville on November 19.
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“Rugby doesn’t start until December,” Moeroa said “I still have a bit of time. I’m still technically contracted to rugby league so I’m able to play nines.
“I’m still trying to sort out a few things to play the Test against America but the nines might be my rugby league farewell. When you get a chance to represent your country you always jump at the occasion. You never think about skipping it.
“As soon as I got the call it was a yes straight away. I didn’t second guess.”
Moeroa turned out for day one of the tournament yesterday and will play today. The 24-year-old ex-Parramatta player has been doing his rugby homework having not played the game since leaving Newington College in 2013.
“I’ve been watching quite a bit of the Rugby World Cup so I can know the rules,” Moeroa, who will play inside centre said. “There are rules … and sometimes there is a penalty and I have no idea what that was for. Different interpretations of the rules.
“I’m trying to watch as much as I can so I can learn how players in my position move around the field and the things they do.”
Moeroa inked a two year deal with the Waratahs. He is coming to terms with leaving the NRL after 112 games with the Eels.
“It doesn’t help I am still training in the Parra gym,” Moeroa said “It is slowly hitting me that it’s all over.
“Every time I leave after I train, I am like ‘one day it’ll be the last day I leave this gym and I won’t be coming back; It’s good I’ve been able to train so I can slowly move away.
“When that day comes when I’m finally done with it. It’ll hit me then.”
Originally published as Waratahs-bound Tepai Moeroa clinging on to his final days in rugby league