Share
1st December 2014
06:15am GMT
Taniela Tupou has arrived in Australia and is already aiming for a a green and gold jersey large enough to accommodate his 21-stone frame. The 18-year-old from New Zealand has been signed up to a Super Rugby contract with Queensland Reds and is living with coach Richard Graham and his family, in Brisbane.
In a comment that evokes memories of NFL star Michael Oher and The Blindside movie, Graham says Tupou is a firm favourite of his children and noshes his way through so much food that he has a fridge of his own in the house.
The ball-carrying, try-scoring prop earned the nickname 'Tongan Thor' earlier this year when YouTube clips emerged of him mincing any schools player brave or foolish enough to get in his way. Tupou was signed right up from his school, Sacred Heart.
The forward can play for Tonga, Australia or New Zealand due to his parentage and Kiwi upbringing but has set his sights on representing the Wallabies.
Graham has urged for patience from Reds supporters and the ever-excitable media (SportsJOE included). The coach says Tupou will play club rugby in 2015 before any step up to the senior side is considered.
Explore more on these topics:
