Taniela ‘Tongan Thor’ Tupou inks new two-year deal with Queensland Reds

BRAD Thorn lauded Taniela Tupou as “133kg of God-given talent you can’t get in the gym” and Queensland are keen to harness his unique abilities after signing him on a new deal.

Taniela Tupou is a rare talent.

TONGAN Thor has been re-signed on a two-year deal as the essential front-row rock on which a meaningful Reds rally can be built.

The coup comes just a week after coach Brad Thorn lauded Taniela Tupou as “133kg of God-given talent you can’t get in the gym.”

Tupou was given another nod this week that he’s now far more than a project player when 91-Test stalwart Sekope Kepu said he was being pushed all the way to hold onto his jersey.

Tupou signed his first two contracts at the Reds before he’d even played a Super Rugby match such was the measured course mapped out for him from 18.

Hands up who just signed a new deal!

Such smart handling started when former Reds coach Richard Graham and his ample fridge gave the shy teenager a family home to stay in when he first arrived from Auckland in 2014.

Now 21, Tupou is repaying the faith by pledging his loyalty for the 2019-20 seasons and the path being mapped by new boss Thorn.

Consistency is everything as a prop and scrummager and South Africa’s Bulls will fully test Tupou’s rising status at Suncorp Stadium.

SUPER SIZE ME: Thorn unleashes monster centre pairing

The Reds pack put the competition on notice a week ago by destroying the Brumbies scrum with a return of four penalties and two free-kicks.

Thorn’s distinctive stamp produced a selection shock yesterday when he demoted 2017 standout Duncan Paia’aua to the bench for a super-sized centre pairing.

By shifting in-form Chris Feauai-Sautia (101kg) from wing to outside centre and Samu Kerevi (108kg) in a slot to No.12, the playmaking skill of Paia’aua has been sacrificed.

Taniela Tupou is a rare talent.

Kerevi’s passing improvements are not as advanced as assistant coach Tony McGahan trumpeted because he still too often seeks contact for a one-handed offload rather than throw a silky, simple pass.

The shuffle means a wing spot has been created for Fijian wing flyer Filipo Daugunu.

“We are looking to see how Chris goes with Samu after a really strong NRC and pre-season and Filipo has been terrific off the bench,” McGahan said.

Going without Paia’aua’s playmaking and footwork until he enters the game in the second half is a gamble but Feauai-Sautia’s form spike has been eye-catching.

“Having two big bodies like Samu and Chris generating good front-foot ball can take some weight off the ball-player,” flyhalf Jono Lance said.

Taniela Tupou made his Wallabies debut last year.

McGahan said the Reds were well aware of the extra danger posed by a Bulls’ game style that has been remodelled by former All Blacks coach John Mitchell.

“They’ve added a real dimension to their fitness, their passing and ability to seek space on the edges ... it’s like watching a bigger version of a New Zealand side,” McGahan said.

Feauai-Sautia’s 50-game milestone at Suncorp Stadium can be a memorable one now Thorn and backs coach Paul Carozza have found the elusive key to the enigmatic back.

REDS: Aidan Toua, Filipo Daugunu, Chris Feauai-Sautia, Samu Kerevi, Eto Nabuli, Jono Lance, James Tuttle, Caleb Timu, Liam Wright, Adam Korczyk, Kane Douglas, Izack Rodda, Taniela Tupou, Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper (c). Res: Alex Mafi, JP Smith, Sef Fa’agase, Harry Hockings, Angus Scott-Young, Tate McDermott, Hamish Stewart, Duncan Paia’aua.

Originally published as Taniela ‘Tongan Thor’ Tupou inks new two-year deal with Queensland Reds