Tongan Torpedo Sio Siua Taukeiaho taps into NFL to lift his game

They are the study sessions of NFL running backs that have helped Sydney Roosters enforcer Sio Siua Taukeiaho become one of rugby league’s most damaging props.

Sydney Roosters enforcer Sio Siua Taukeiaho credits NFL study for his stunning form.

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They are the study sessions of NFL running backs that have helped Sydney Roosters enforcer Sio Siua Taukeiaho become one of rugby league’s most damaging props.

We’ve always known Taukeiaho can play but the Tongan torpedo has exploded in 2019 on the back of his powerful running and footwork.

The Tricolours bookend credits his consistent form to countless hours of wading through highlights of his favourite NFL running backs.

Sydney Roosters enforcer Sio Siua Taukeiaho credits NFL study for his stunning form.

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Taukeiaho regularly analyses New York Jets running back Le’veon Bell and Los Angeles Rams star Todd Gurley.

He then applies Bell and Gurley’s skills to the training paddock at the Roosters.

“Those two players have good footwork, speed and power and I really enjoy watching their games,” Taukeiaho revealed.

“I don’t try and compare myself to them but I like to study them.

“Even some of the work they do off the field in the gym. I try and apply some of that into my training and my game.

Taukeiaho often studies Los Angeles Rams running back Todd Gurley. (AP Photo/Marcio Jose Sanchez)

“Some of the training we do here at the Roosters is similar to the NFL. All our coaches have so much knowledge of different sports.

“We do a lot of explosive running drills and that has helped me with my footwork.”

Taukeiaho credits his broad thinking outside the rugby league bubble to Roosters coach Trent Robinson.

The two-time premiership-winning mentor who can speak fluent French has always encouraged his players to be open-minded when it comes to their preparation.

“Robbo has been great for me,” he said.

“He has always known that I have something in me but he also wants me to use my strength, power and footwork.

“We also have a speed coach and I do a lot of work in the gym doing some explosive exercises.

“I guess I’ve always had that power running game and coming to the Roosters they have just taken it to another level.”

As for following former NRL rival Val Holmes to the NFL, Taukeiaho is happy to remain at the Roosters.

“I love rugby league,” he said.

“But I think Val is inspiring a lot of people to chase after their dream and goal.

“It was his dream to play in the NRL, win a premiership and play Origin.

LISTEN! Matty reveals the biggest lie he ever told coach, the song he can’t get out of his head, an Origin rumour that won’t go away and what it’s like to have a video session under Tommy Raudonikis. Don’t miss this week’s episode of the Matty Johns podcast.

“Now he has done all of that and he wants to chase a different path.”

Taukeiaho’s aim is to known as one of the NRL’s premier props.

Based on this season’s form, he has achieved his goal.

In his six games to date the Roosters big man has amassed a whopping 346 post-contact metres.

These statistics make for impressive reading but Taukeiaho still doesn’t think he is in Jason Taumalolo’s league.

“Oh there is a reason Jason is called the two million dollar man,” he grinned.

“It’s because of what he does on the field.

“For me, every week I just try and be consistent. I want to set a platform and lead from the front.”

Originally published as Tongan Torpedo Sio Siua Taukeiaho taps into NFL to lift his game