Lote's love has been rekindled
By Iain Payten
June 27, 2008

IT saw off Ewen McKenzie, created more political drama than Morris Iemma and gave us Tah Man.

But Lote Tuqiri believes NSW's rollercoaster Super 14 season is the reason why he is loving rugby again after the most "testing" year of his career in 2007.

Tuqiri's enthusiasm has returned in spades this year, with dominant form for NSW earning him the Tahs' Best Back award and a sprightly opening Test performance against Ireland under the new attacking mentality of the Wallabies.

It's hard to wipe the smile off Tuqiri's face - a far cry from the depths of Tuqiri's own annus horribilis in 2007.

Despite emerging from a high-profile contract re-negotiation at the start of last year with a new $5 million contract, Tuqiri quickly found himself wallowing in difficulty and disappointment on and off the field.

The Waratahs tanked, and Tuqiri's frustrations boiled over when he pushed teammate Sam Norton-Knight on the paddock. Several boozy dramas saw him banned for two Tests in July, and later slapped with a World Cup midnight curfew.


Lote's love has been rekindled - Rugby - Fox Sports