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Tuqiri to support Beale with boot
By Jon Geddes
April 04, 2008
STAR winger Lote Tuqiri is set to spring a major surprise by taking on goalkicking duties for New South Wales in their Super 14 clash with the Blues at the SFS.
Tuqiri has been practicing for the past couple of weeks and stayed back after training this week, hitting the ball sweetly in the deserted SFS under the guidance of Waratahs kicking coach Shannon Fraser.
"If they ask me this week I'll be ready, you can't shy away from anything," Tuqiri said. "I actually don't mind kicking and will take the opportunity if it arises."
He has also been receiving a few expert tips via email from former Australia kicking coach Ben Perkins, who now lives in New Zealand.
Tuqiri is getting reacquainted with a skill he last used in the NRL with the Broncos and the Queensland Origin side. In his final Origin game in 2002, Tuqiri scored 18 points with three tries and three goals from five attempts.
He wants to take some of the burden off the younger kickers, such as Kurtley Beale, and provide the side with more options.
"We might need someone from about 40 out," Tuqiri said. "I've got long levers and I get through the ball quite well, so I kick it a fair way."
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