Knights sign Junior Kiwi Rep Ken Tofilau on a 2 year deal
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Grandpa Joe
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
James Packer, he'd be back to NZ next year surely?
Junior11
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Young Bull Ken Tofilau making big strides
BRENDON EGAN
Tofilau is rated highly in rugby league circles.
The former Hillmorton High School student has previously represented the New Zealand Residents team in the 16 and 18 years age-groups.
Tofilau scored a try for the New Zealand Residents 18s team last year against their Australian schoolboy rivals. They split the two-game series.
He attended a New Zealand 18s camp again this season and it would come as a surprise if he was not named in the squad.
Tofilau is attracting interest from National Rugby League clubs with an under-20 contract a possibility for next season.
Making a New Zealand age-group side for the first time rated highly for Tofilau.
''It was real good - doing the haka and singing the national anthem.''
Tofilau idolises Australian and Parramatta Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne, who he has based elements of his game around.
''I see the way he plays and want to be like him. The NRL is the dream. I just want to make it.''
Bulls coach Darrell Coad, who is also in charge of Halswell's premier team, has followed Tofilau's progress closely over the years.
Coad said Tofilau's explosive speed and nifty footwork reminded him of former Kiwis centre James Leuluai, who played 29 tests between 1979-86.
Tofilau had been a consistent performer for Halswell in club league this season and his age was never an issue.
''He's a kid with a lot of talent. He's a good trainer and he's got good ethics,'' Coad said.
''He's got all the right morals about the game and he always trains hard.''
Tofilau had the ability to regularly bust through first-up tackles and get free of defenders with his sharp pace.
Coad recalled occasions when Tofilau scored 80-metre tries in the junior grades, sprinting away from his own in-goal.
Last season in the 17s grade, Tofilau notched 17 tries from just 10 games for Halswell.
''When you see a kid of his talent coming through the grades, you always know he's destined for good things. He's still learning,'' Coad said.
''There's plenty of opportunities for young kids these days. It's a matter of working hard and grabbing them.''
As with any young player, there is room for improvement in Tofilau's game. Coad said they were looking for him to become more vocal at the back, which would come with experience.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/10426000/Young-Bull-Ken-Tofilau-making-big-strides
BRENDON EGAN
Tofilau is rated highly in rugby league circles.
The former Hillmorton High School student has previously represented the New Zealand Residents team in the 16 and 18 years age-groups.
Tofilau scored a try for the New Zealand Residents 18s team last year against their Australian schoolboy rivals. They split the two-game series.
He attended a New Zealand 18s camp again this season and it would come as a surprise if he was not named in the squad.
Tofilau is attracting interest from National Rugby League clubs with an under-20 contract a possibility for next season.
Making a New Zealand age-group side for the first time rated highly for Tofilau.
''It was real good - doing the haka and singing the national anthem.''
Tofilau idolises Australian and Parramatta Eels fullback Jarryd Hayne, who he has based elements of his game around.
''I see the way he plays and want to be like him. The NRL is the dream. I just want to make it.''
Bulls coach Darrell Coad, who is also in charge of Halswell's premier team, has followed Tofilau's progress closely over the years.
Coad said Tofilau's explosive speed and nifty footwork reminded him of former Kiwis centre James Leuluai, who played 29 tests between 1979-86.
Tofilau had been a consistent performer for Halswell in club league this season and his age was never an issue.
''He's a kid with a lot of talent. He's a good trainer and he's got good ethics,'' Coad said.
''He's got all the right morals about the game and he always trains hard.''
Tofilau had the ability to regularly bust through first-up tackles and get free of defenders with his sharp pace.
Coad recalled occasions when Tofilau scored 80-metre tries in the junior grades, sprinting away from his own in-goal.
Last season in the 17s grade, Tofilau notched 17 tries from just 10 games for Halswell.
''When you see a kid of his talent coming through the grades, you always know he's destined for good things. He's still learning,'' Coad said.
''There's plenty of opportunities for young kids these days. It's a matter of working hard and grabbing them.''
As with any young player, there is room for improvement in Tofilau's game. Coad said they were looking for him to become more vocal at the back, which would come with experience.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/the-press/sport/10426000/Young-Bull-Ken-Tofilau-making-big-strides
Matty James
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
What makes you say that?
Grandpa Joe
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Because his a grub and his ZERO chance of ever seeing first grade.
cowboyman
Danny 'Bedsy' Buderus
Don't know about that, Uncle Wayne is back at the Broncos so he will get what he wants. They will be able to go back to having their star player on the books for $250k just like Lockyer in his prime.