Warrington Wolves’ Toby King Praises Rodrick Tai Ahead of Challenge Cup Final
Warrington Wolves centre Toby King has spoken highly of his new centre partner Rodrick Tai as the duo prepare to take the field together at Wembley Stadium for the upcoming Challenge Cup final.
Both King and Tai joined the Wire squad this year, with King returning to the club following a season-long loan at Wigan Warriors – whom they will face in Saturday’s showpiece event. Tai, on the other hand, is a new signing, having made the move from the PNG Hunters.
The 25-year-old Mount Hagen native only recently returned to the Hunters after an eight-week stint with the Dolphins, where he earned a train and trial deal that did not result in a permanent contract. However, his standout performances in the Queensland Cup paved the way for his Super League switch, as he signed a one-year deal with Warrington, with the club holding an option for a further year.
“I love him,” King told LoveRugbyLeague. “It’s not just the stuff he does on the field, but off it, because he’s such a good person. He’s brilliant, and I think he’s done it so tough coming all the way over to the other side of the world, bringing his family over.”
Despite taking some time to settle in and not making his debut until the end of March, Tai has quickly become a fans’ favorite at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. The six-time Kumuls international now has seven Warrington appearances under his belt, and his eighth will come on the grandest stage of all – the Challenge Cup final.
King praised Tai’s all-around game, highlighting his strength, pace, and defensive capabilities. “He’s just a good player, it’s his strength and coming out of yardage, his carries are really strong. He’s fast and he’s good defensively, so he brings a lot to this team.”
With Sam Burgess strengthening the squad, the competition for the centre spots has become fierce, but King believes Tai has now made the position his own. “It took him a while to get going, as it does with many players, and I don’t think he necessarily was able to get a good run of games nearer the start of the season. But now he’s in there, I think he’s just making it (the centre spot) his own, and that just shows what Sam’s doing in terms of strengthening all positions.”
Warrington will be hoping that the combination of King and Tai can help them secure their first Challenge Cup triumph in five years when they take on Wigan Warriors at Wembley on Saturday.
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