Wallaby Tuqiri set for centre role against Wales

Lote Tuqiri. Picture / Brett Phibbs

SYDNEY - Australia coach John Connolly is planning to move Lote Tuqiri from wing to centre for the opening match of their European tour against Wales on Nov. 4.

Tour captain Stirling Mortlock is struggling with a knee injury and is set to miss the opener at the Millennium Stadium, leaving Tuqiri in line to don the number 13 shirt.

"With Stirling injured, it's probably fair to think that Lote may move in one," Connolly told reporters at their training camp on Tuesday.

"He probably prefers the wing a little bit more but he's a pretty good player. He can play anywhere."

Mortlock, deputising as captain while George Gregan rests from tour duty, is expected to recover in time for the tests against Italy, Ireland and Scotland next month.

Connolly said he believed Tuqiri, a former Fijian and Australian rugby league player, would be tempted to stay with the Wallabies after next year's World Cup despite renewed speculation about the 27-year-old Waratah reverting codes.

"I think he wants to stay," Connolly said.

"He's important obviously, as all stars are in any code, whether it's Lote or whoever."

The Australian squad leaves for Europe on Friday.

- REUTERS