Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu enjoying stepping out of Tatafu Polota-Nau’s shadow

AFTER emerging from the departed Tatafu Polota-Nau’s immense shadow, Waratahs hooker Tolu Latu has set his sights on Wallaby gold.

Tolu Latu has been the sole shinning light for the Waratahs this season. Picture: Mark Evans

HE is the one bright spark in an otherwise gloomy season for the Waratahs, and hooker Tolu Latu is relishing stepping out of Tatafu Polota-Nau’s immense shadow.

While Latu has some ongoing lineout throwing issues, he has clearly been the best performing Australian hooker in the first month of Super Rugby, bringing ball-pilfering and strong defence to his arsenal.

With Polota-Nau moving to the Western Force, Latu has emerged as a key element of NSW’s pack.

Tolu Latu has been the sole shinning light for the Waratahs this season. Picture: Mark Evans

“At times I miss that guidance and miss getting tips from him but it’s good to step out from his shadow and get more game time and try to make that No.2 jersey mine,” Latu said.

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As for putting pressure on incumbent Wallabies hooker and captain Stephen Moore, Latu played a straight bat.

“To be honest I haven’t looked that far into the season, I’m just trying to play my role and do my part here and make sure we get the outcomes we want from the weekends,” he said.

“I haven’t really been paying attention to Wallabies selections, trying to keep my No.2 spot here.

“I came back [from Wallabies camp] with more hunger to make that No.2 jersey mine, a bit more motivated, a bit more hungry to get more game-time and improve myself.

“For now the Waratahs No.2 jersey, and then we’ll see how things go, I’ll try to play consistent and get my set-piece right.

“I’ve just got to fix my throw, get it a bit higher to Dean Mumm, easy fixes, we’ve just got to do it on the weekend.”