Tully Tigers stalwart undecided on future after ‘crazy’ 2020
He’s played in the Cairns and District Rugby League for more than a decade, but Fabien Tauli says 2020 has without a doubt been the craziest season he’s ever been involved in.
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He’s played in the Cairns and District Rugby League for more than a decade, but Fabien Tauli says 2020 has without a doubt been the craziest season he’s ever been involved in.
“We trained hard this year so we were looking forward to it but it’s just been crazy,” said the Tully Tigers forward.
“We had a really good pre-season and everyone was on board, but then obviously the season was cancelled.
“Not having a season has been a bit of a downer for everyone.”
Tauli will line up for the Tigers against the Northern Pride Reef Kings in the final round of the Lightning Challenge at Tully Showgrounds on Saturday night.
The one-off rugby league series has provided an avenue for rugby league players to get on the field during the coronavirus-affected season.
Tauli said he was looking forward to playing in front of a home crowd again, after the Tigers played the first match at the revamped Tully Showgrounds last month.
“It was good to be able to get out there and play in front of the new grandstand for the first time,” Tauli said.
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“It sparked the passion for footy again, especially for the young guys coming through that want to play for Tully in years to come.”
After 11 seasons in the local competition, Tauli said he might be watching from the comfort of the grandstand next season.
“The legs are running out of (kilometres), so the grandstand probably wouldn’t be a bad idea,” he said.
“I’ve got kids who playing sports now and watching my son play soccer is pretty exciting for me.
“I get a buzz from that, as much as playing on the field.
“I might just have to leave it to the young guys — I find it hard to keep up with them at training, so all signs are leading towards me finishing up.
“But we’ll see. I’d still like to be involved with the club. They’ve done a fair bit for me, so I wouldn’t mind giving back somehow.”
During his time at the club, Tauli has witnessed Tully juniors Jake Clifford and Thomas Flegler become NRL stars.
He said there could be more to follow, with the region producing a certain type of player.
“They breed them tough down here,” he said.
“I think it’s just being brought up around the work ethic around here, with banana farms and things like that.
“Growing up and just seeing how hard people work around here, and that work ethic translates to how hard you work on the footy field.
“Guys like Benn Campagnolo, he’s still a young guy and he’s already showing leadership in A-grade, and Ryan Flegler, Thomas’ younger brother, he’s not far off playing his best.”
“There’s a lot of potential here and definitely a few players you’ll hear from in the next few years.”
THE DRAW
Lightning Challenge — Rd 6
3pm: Tully Tigers v Cairns Brothers (Reserve Grade)
4.30pm: Cairns Brothers v Northern Pride Giants
6pm: Tully Tigers v Northern Pride Reef Kings
All games this Saturday at the Tully Showgrounds, Tully.
Originally published as Tully Tigers stalwart undecided on future after ‘crazy’ 2020