Tyrone Taukamo (17) wanted by 15 NRL clubs [1]
Thursday, October 6, 2016 - 13:12. Updated on Thursday, October 6, 2016 - 13:15.
A 17-year old Australian boy of Tongan heritage, Tyrone Taukamo, is the most wanted rugby player in Australia according to local media reports. Tyrone has been approached by 15 of 16 NRL clubs, and has also received two offers from French Rugby clubs Bordeaux and Toulon. He is a graduate of Newington College, an acclaimed rugby school in Sydney.
Hailed as the “next Israel Folau” Tyrone is a fast running centre who weighs in at 112 kilograms and stands 6’2 feet tall. He is also a junior athletics champion for New South Wales and holds state age records in Shot putt. Since the age of 12, Tyrone has played in both Rugby Union and Rugby League.
Tyrone’s manager Craig Baker told foxsports.com.au that the young centre is looking to sign a deal in the NRL. Craig Baker stated “Despite receiving interest elsewhere, he has decided to pursue rugby league,”
“When Toulon approached him, the richest club in the world, he seriously considered it; however, with NRL clubs getting him on team buses and going above and beyond that convinced him that rugby league is the way he will develop to be the best player he can be.”
At the age of 16 Tyrone played for the NSW 18s Schoolboys team, and was a member of the Australian Barbarians U20s team that beat Tonga U20s last month.