Tugun ‘Mr Fix It’ unseats Tongan powerhouse flyer
CLINT Barends has “never seen that much blood come out of a nose” as when Fetuli Talanoa copped a hit against Southport, sidelining him once again for the Seahawks.
But the Tugun coach found the perfect man to replace the Tongan flyer, an athlete who has impressed so much that the former Super League stalwart may struggle to earn his spot back.
Juwaan Terekia has been a feature of the side since Round 6, playing on the wing, at halfback, in the centres and off the bench in a true “Mr Fix It” role.
But on the back of his hat-trick on the flank last week against Helensvale, the returning Seahawk has held his place even with Talanoa making his comeback off the pine.
Barends said Terekia made his way back to the club this year, having spent time in Brisbane playing alongside his brother.
While he was hopeful Talanoa had finally seen the last of the disruption which have plagued his season for the back half of the season, Terekia’s form had proven too enticing to keep him out of the run on 13.
“He plays more as a fullback or halfback, he’s got a fair bit of skill but he’s doing a job there on the wing and he’s been one of our better players,” Barends said.
“At the moment Juwaan deserves his spot so he’ll stay there. He (Talanoa) might play a different role for us, he gives good cover in the outside backs and he’s a big body so if we’re short in the middle he could play there.
“Big Tuls has been out with a bit of sickness and some injuries. The latest one is busted nose against Southport, he copped one and then we just couldn’t stop the bleeding.
“I’ve never seen that much blood out of a nose, we just couldn’t stop it. He’s a tough bugger, he went back on the field but we still couldn’t stop it.
“Even before the game against Southport he went to Sydney for funerals and sickness in the family, so we haven’t got much game time out of him this year.
“We’re looking at the back end of the season to get him on the field.”
Tugun’s clash on Sunday with Runaway Bay is poised to be the match of the round, with Barends expecting a desperate and fired up Seagulls side to come his way.
Their forthcoming rivals have battled injuries and Queensland Cup call ups throughout the campaign, and now face a finals tightrope walk with the Ormeau Shearers breathing down their neck on the ladder.
Barends said the contest would be a battle of two sides who thrived spreading the ball, while identifying Seagulls hooker Jenan Wedderburn-parrish as a key man to shut down.