Josh Tatupu Joins The Emirates Western Force
Former Melbourne Storm rugby league prospect Josh Tatupu has joined the Emirates Western Force on a one year rookie contract.
The New Zealand born centre/winger plied his trade with French rugby league club SM Pia XIII in 2007, and also represented Western Samoa at international level.
He arrives in rugby union after stints with the Storm and Brisbane Norths after moving to Australia from Christchurch in 2002.
At 184cm and 102kg, the 21 year old Tatupu is described by Head Coach John Mitchell as a powerful ball carrier and hard-hitting defender.
“Josh is a big guy with a low centre of gravity, and we see him having the potential to be a damaging runner,” Mitchell said.
“The loss of Junior Pelesasa through injury means we needed to add depth in our centres, and we feel that Josh can give that to us. He’ll have a lot of work to do when he gets here, but he has the attributes to excel at this level.”
Tatupu said he was looking forward to the challenges of switching codes and the move to Western Australia.
“I’ve played rugby league for all my life, and I’m looking for a new challenge. When Mitch (John Mitchell) got in contact, I jumped at the chance,” Tatupu said.
“I can’t wait to learn from the likes of Matt Giteau, Junior Pelesasa and Scott Staniforth, and obviously Ryan Cross, who has made a terrific transition from league to rugby.”
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