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By David Riccio
July 05, 2009 Rugby union could lose its last big-name NRL recruit as Newcastle Knights plot to bring Timana Tahu back home.
In the same week Lote Tuqiri was sacked by the ARU, The Sunday Telegraph has reported that a 10-year friendship could bring Tahu back into the fold.
Knights chief executive Steve Burraston is tempted to lure Tahu back to the club where he made his debut in 1999.
A former Newcastle lower-grade coach, Burraston mentored Tahu through his junior years.
The pair, along with Knights coach Brian Smith, who coached Tahu at Parramatta in 2005, maintain close ties.
It's understood Tahu, who owns property in the Hunter region, has spoken to Burraston and Smith about finishing his career at the Knights.
Burraston didn't deny the club's interest in the dual international, describing Tahu as "a natural fit".
"I know him well, I was coaching when he first came to the club," Burraston said.
"I know at Parramatta he enjoyed playing with Brian (Smith) there and he remains friends with him. So there's a natural fit with our club, no question.
"He's a nice bloke and a talented footballer, so if there was a possibility to fit him under our cap it would be of interest, but at this stage we've done nothing official."
Asked if he could rule out Tahu playing for the Knights next season, Burraston replied: "No."
In April, Tahu ridiculed suggestions he had made an approach to join Sydney Roosters.
His possible return to rugby league would continue rugby's failed gamble with big-name league signings.
Tuqiri's departure meant the ARU had spent $15 million on the former Brisbane Broncos winger, Mat Rogers and Wendell Sailor only to see them leave.
Rogers and Sailor have both successfully returned to the NRL.
Tahu has a year to run on his $400,000-a-season contract with the ARU and New South Wales Waratahs.
Burraston said he was in no doubt that Tahu's brilliance has been stifled since switching to the rival code.
"It's hard to comment on, but I think he certainly received more football during a game and more opportunity to play football when he was in rugby league," Burraston said.
"My personal opinion is that he's being wasted in rugby."
http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...018866,00.html