CANTERBURY have poached 19-year-old Ipswich winger Tautalatasi Tasi from under the Broncos’ nose.
The younger brother of former Broncos prop Lama Tasi will join the Bulldogs on Monday after club officials were wowed by his form for the Ipswich Jets.
Ipswich are officially affiliated with the Broncos but there was little interest in Tasi from Red Hill, with the club backing the talented outside backs they already have in their system.
Tasi, who was contracted to the Sydney Roosters during high school, leaves a significant hole in the Jets where he has starred on the right wing since debuting early last season.
Ipswich co-coach Ben Walker said the Bulldogs had nabbed a future star.
The Bulldogs view Tasi as a centre but it is expected the Goodna junior will develop into a backrower in the next two to three years.
Tasi has signed a two year deal with the Bulldogs and will play for their under-20s team next weekend.
Jets Tautalatasi Tasi is swamped by the Burleigh defence. Source: News Corp Australia
“He has been playing against men and performing well since he was an 18-year-old with us and if he can do that in this competition, then he can play NRL,” Walker said.
“He’s a terrific guy and this is a great reward for him. He is a very talented player and one who will have a long and successful career.
“We want our players to move on to NRL clubs so while it hurts us, it is fantastic for what we are trying to do at this club.’’
Task is the third Jets player in two years to be picked up by a Sydney NRL club.
Backrower Lorenzo Maafu is in the Parramatta Eels’ NRL squad and Nathaniel Neale debuted for South Sydney this year.
“Each of the Jets guys who have gone to an NRL club have been part of their full time list and performed well and Tasi will be the same,” Walker said.