Papua New Guinea star links up with Warrington Wolves squad despite NRL interest
Tai was announced as a Wire signing way back in August however of late there has been plenty of talk about the Papua New Guinea international, with reports down under suggesting NRL clubs were keen on him.
The 24-year-old centre arrived having played in the Queensland Cup becoming the first signing after the announcement of Sam Burgess as head coach of the club.
At the time, Burgess said: “I’m very excited that Rodrick is joining us at Warrington. He has been fantastic in the Queensland cup this year and also when representing PNG in recent years.”
Tai signed on a one year deal, with the option of a further year, the centre speaking at the time stating: “I’m very excited. It’s a huge move for me to be joining a great club in Warrington.
“Sam [Burgess] called me and said there’s an opportunity. Even him calling was huge for me! I’m looking forward now to giving my all in pre-season, working hard and playing my part next year.
“During the World Cup with PNG we stayed in Warrington so there’ll be some familiarities there for me. It was a great experience for us Kumuls and myself and my family can’t wait to come back over to the town.”
Since then though the centre has again played for his nation as he starred in the end of season internationals, something that caught the eye of many an NRL team.
According to NRL.com there was strong interest from the NRL’s newest club Redcliffe Dolphins about signing the 24-year-old. Tai had previously trained with the club in the pre-season and had turned down a move to join them for 2024.
Those rumors will now be silenced after Warrington posted on social media footage of their new recruit interacting with his new teammates after landing in the UK.
Posting on social media platform X, Warrington showed a video of Tai being greeted at the club’s Halliwell Jones Stadium by players including Paul Vaughan and Stefan Ratchford.
Tai will look to battle it out in 2024 for a spot in the centers with Ratchford and Toby King who has returned from his loan spell with Wigan Warriors.
Other overseas signings for the Wolves include Lachlan Fitzgibbon and Zane Musgrove, whilst domestic signings include Wesley Bruines, Jordy Crowther, Brad Dwyer and Sam Powell.
