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SYDNEY - Western Force rugby coach John Mitchell has raided the league ranks to secure one-time Kiwis hopeful Josh Tatupu for his first Super 14 contract.
The 1.84m, 102kg centre/winger, 21, was today confirmed on a one-year deal with the Force.
He joins the Perth-based franchise after stints with the Melbourne Storm's National Rugby League (NRL) feeder club Brisbane Norths in 2006 and French club SM Pia this year.
He also represented Samoa at international level after shifting to Australia from Christchurch in 2002, the year he also played for New Zealand under-16 alongside future Kiwis Iosia Soliola and Adam Blair.
"Josh is a big guy with a low centre of gravity, and we see him having the potential to be a damaging runner," former All Blacks coach 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 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.
- NZPA
