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KAUFUSI IN SHOCK KANGAROOS CALL-UP
Tuesday 17 Oct 2006 15:16
by (Press Release)
Source: www.melbournestorm.com.au
Melbourne Storm front-rower Antonio Kaufusi has capped a magnificent season by being called into the Australian Tri-Nations squad at the expense of the injured Reni Maitua.
Kaufusi, 21, who was born in Tonga and spent part of his youth growing up in New Zealand, had been the centre of a tug-of-war for his services with both the Kiwis and Kangaroos eager for him to pledge his allegiances.
"After the grand final (New Zealand coach) Brian McClennan was talking to David Kidwell on the phone, and Kiddy thought I should have a chat to him," said Kaufusi.
"I had a chat to Brian, he asked for my thoughts, and I told him my heart was set on playing for Queensland."
With injury forcing Maitua out of this Saturday night's Tri-Nations clash against New Zealand at Telstra Dome, the Australian camp were forced into finding a suitable replacement.
"Craig Bellamy called me today and told me they had me on standby," said Kaufusi.
"Craig told me there were a couple of guys in line to be brought into the squad and not to get my hopes up. But ten minutes later he called me to say I was in and to get myself ready."
Although stunned to have been given the call-up, Kaufusi is ready to go should he be needed.
"I'm very excited. A bit shell shocked and surprised, but I'm definitely fit and fired up if they need me on Saturday night," said Kaufusi.
"I didn't think I'd be named in the squad, but it's unbelievable, so I'll just get to Melbourne and enjoy my time down there."
News Sent by: www.melbournestorm.com.au
Tuesday 17 Oct 2006 15:16
by (Press Release)
Source: www.melbournestorm.com.au
Melbourne Storm front-rower Antonio Kaufusi has capped a magnificent season by being called into the Australian Tri-Nations squad at the expense of the injured Reni Maitua.
Kaufusi, 21, who was born in Tonga and spent part of his youth growing up in New Zealand, had been the centre of a tug-of-war for his services with both the Kiwis and Kangaroos eager for him to pledge his allegiances.
"After the grand final (New Zealand coach) Brian McClennan was talking to David Kidwell on the phone, and Kiddy thought I should have a chat to him," said Kaufusi.
"I had a chat to Brian, he asked for my thoughts, and I told him my heart was set on playing for Queensland."
With injury forcing Maitua out of this Saturday night's Tri-Nations clash against New Zealand at Telstra Dome, the Australian camp were forced into finding a suitable replacement.
"Craig Bellamy called me today and told me they had me on standby," said Kaufusi.
"Craig told me there were a couple of guys in line to be brought into the squad and not to get my hopes up. But ten minutes later he called me to say I was in and to get myself ready."
Although stunned to have been given the call-up, Kaufusi is ready to go should he be needed.
"I'm very excited. A bit shell shocked and surprised, but I'm definitely fit and fired up if they need me on Saturday night," said Kaufusi.
"I didn't think I'd be named in the squad, but it's unbelievable, so I'll just get to Melbourne and enjoy my time down there."
News Sent by: www.melbournestorm.com.au
