SEA Eagles coach Des Hasler is predicting Tigers winger Lote Tuqiri will find himself in “foreign” territory when he arrives back in Australia on Wednesday for his NRL return against Manly.

The ex-Wallaby is due back in Sydney on Wednesday after gaining an early release from English rugby union club Leicester.

Tuqiri’s arrival will give him just five days to prepare for Monday night’s round one clash against Manly at the Sydney Football Stadium.

Hasler on Tuesday night named Kieran Foran as his game one half back.

The coach said Tuqiri, who has not played in the NRL since 2002, could find the pace of the game a little quicker than his days in rugby land.

“Probably the pace and intensity of the game,” Hasler said when asked of the biggest challenges facing Tuqiri in rugby league this year.

“Playing on the wing, they’re not doing the hit-ups and the runs, but it’s still a fairly active game and a lot of work for wingers just getting back, chasing, the whole lot.

“He will find it a little bit foreign.

“But, it’s not as if he hasn’t played football before.

“He’s an outstanding athlete with a lot of experience.”

Sea Eagles co-captain Jason King said a game plan to combat Tuqiri will be formulated during the week.

“I’m sure Des will have a few words and a few video clips of him playing rugby or before he went to rugby,” King said.

“We’ll definitely be doing some homework on him.

“But it’s great to see him back in the game, it’s fantastic for the NRL.

“I don’t watch too much rugby, but I’ve heard it’s a lot faster playing rugby league.

“(It will take him time) getting used to the pace again, being back the 10m and a bit more collision.”

Experienced Manly winger Michael Robertson, who faced Tuqiri during his days at the Canberra Raiders, said the dual-international will command some respect.

“I’m sure he’s going to play, so we’ll pay a bit of attention to him,” Robertson said. “He’s a dual international and it won’t take him long to find his feet.”

Utility Tony Williams was also named in the centres, partnering Steve Matai with Ben Farrar (pectoral) unavailable through injury.

Interchange hooker Terence Seu Seu will also make his debut for the club against the Tigers, off the bench.

Fellow recruits Joe Galuvao (concussion) and Matt Cross missed out on selection.

0 Replies, start dicussing now