NRL: Time for 'Bill Who?' to make a big name

Bill Tupou of the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

Last year the Warriors went into the season with five wingers in the squad. Manu Vatuvei was hands down the main man, Glen Fisiiahi emerged from the pre-season in possession of the right wing spot, while Krisnan Inu and Kevin Locke circled, awaiting their chance.

Then there was Bill Tupou. Or "Bill Who?" as some initially referred to the player who went from last cab off the rank to starting the grand final in the space of a season.

With Vatuvei and Fisiiahi suffering injuries and Locke replacing the out-of-form Lance Hohaia at fullback, things may have fallen kindly for Tupou, but he sure made the most of every opportunity.

He was, he admits, driven by the knowledge of where he ranked in the pecking order.

"I think I was last picked," he said. "Just knowing that kind of pushed me. It's good to be in the starting line-up now but I am still pushing."

Fisiiahi's presence ensures Tupou can't take anything for granted, but he admits he rests a little easier these days when the team is announced. The two tries he scored on Monday night against the Eels were also a relief. In 2010 his first NRL try took ten matches to come, although he did then open his account with a hat-trick against the Sharks.

Even last year, when he re-emerged on to the scene a bigger, busier player, he went try-less in his first three appearances. All up his tally is 11 from 31 games.

While that is hardly prolific, Tupou's value is often found at the other end of the field where he does plenty of work coming out of the defensive zone.

"Those early carries are what can put us on the front foot," he said.

Now tipping the scales at 99kg after another off-season in the gym, Tupou is perfectly suited to the task. He might not yet be in the same class as Vatuvei - a player he idolises and models his game on - but neither is Tupou a figure of curiosity any more.

While performances like Monday night's strong showing will surely see his stock continue to rise, Tupou's goals for the season are measured.

"Just play consistently and play as many games as I can and try not to get injured. Just be in the team."