FORMER Tonga and Samoa international Jorge Taufua is playing at step six of the English rugby union system ahead of a potential new route in Rugby League.
The ex-Bradford, Wakefield and Manly Sea Eagles back is with Bradford Salem, of Regional 2 North-East.
Taufua, 34, turned out nine times for the Bulls last season, scoring five tries. He made 38 appearances (19 tries) in all.
But he wasn’t retained in the wake of the club moving up to Super League, and is is keeping in shape with Salem, where he has been playing centre.
His teammates at Shay Lane, in the north-west of the city, include Misi Taulapapa, another former Samoa player.
The 43-year-old back played for New Zealand Warriors and Cronulla Sharks before moving to England and representing Sheffield, Featherstone, Newcastle, Doncaster and last season Goole.
Taulapapa joined the Doncaster coaching staff in October.
Taufua told the Telegraph and Argus newspaper: “I know Misi and (Salem co-coach) Andy Robinson.
“I haven’t played union since I was a teenager in Sydney. It has been a long time so I am a bit rusty with the rules and the tackling, but I am enjoying it.
“Playing here helps me with my fitness preparing for the next Rugby League season, but I would prefer to keep it to myself as to what discussions I have had regarding that.”
Robinson’s coaching partner Bob Hood said: “Jorge is a fantastic team member. He is very strong and he has Misi, who has craft, outside him.
“Jorge is running hard and tackling hard, but I don’t know whether we have found his best position yet.”
Salem have previously had former NRL, Bradford and Wakefield player and ex-Dewsbury boss Glenn Morrison on their coaching panel.
