Rabbitohs sign Tautau Moga for Season 2021

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#1


Posted in the rumours thread, but should probably have it’s own thread for discussion etc.
With thanks to @RUN010

SIGNINGS
Rabbitohs sign Tautau Moga for Season 2021
South Sydney Rabbitohs
Mon 7 Dec 2020, 03:55 PM

The South Sydney Rabbitohs are delighted to announce the signing of international centre Tautau Moga for the 2021 season.

Moga, 26, has played 73 NRL matches for the Newcastle Knights, Brisbane Broncos, North Queensland Cowboys and Sydney Roosters since making his NRL debut for the Roosters against the New Zealand Warriors in round ten, 2012.

Moga has represented Samoa in three Test matches and was part of the Cowboys’ squad that won the 2015 NRL Premiership.

Rabbitohs Head of Football, Mark Ellison, said: “Tautau is a great addition to our squad next season as we look to add some experience to our backline depth.

We’re looking forward to having him join our squad this pre-season.

“A couple of injuries have stalled him throughout his career but when he has been fit to play he has proven that he can be one of the most destructive outside backs in the game.

“He has been part of winning squads throughout his NRL career and has played Test football.

“We’re looking forward to having him join our squad this pre-season and seeing him push for first grade selection on a weekly basis.”

Biography

Name: Tautau Moga
Date of Birth: 6 December 1993
Place of Birth: Ipswich, QLD
Position: Centre
Height: 194cm
Weight: 109kg
Junior Club: Springfield Panthers
Previous Clubs: Roosters (2012); Cowboys (2014-16); Broncos (2017); Knights (2018-current)
NRL Games: 73 (14 for the Roosters; 18 for the Cowboys; 27 for the Broncos; 14 for the Knights)
NRL Points: 92 (from seven tries for the Roosters; three tries for the Cowboys; nine tries for the Broncos and four tries for the Knights)
NRL Debut: Roosters vs Warriors, Mt Smart Stadium, 12 May 2012 (Rd 10)
Rep Honours: Three Tests for Samoa (2014-15)

2 Likes
#2

Decent depth signing. Played his best football under Bennett

3 Likes
#3

Yep, worth the risk as IF stays fit offers something our current backline lacks. A calculated punt by Clint.

1 Like
#4

What nickname will the forum give him?

#5

Toga Party

2 Likes
#6

If he fires, then Mogatron, If he doesn’t, then it’s Mogadon.

7 Likes
#8

Etta!!

as in the Ettamogah pub in Kellyville Ridge

1 Like
#9

Terrible signing in my opinion

1 Like
#10

Mogi

#11

Moga is a big lad and perhaps he could play as an edge backrower.

He certainly has the size and these days a second rower’s role seems to have evolved into being just like an extra large back.

I think if we had both Murray and Arrow in the middle, then our defence in this area would be the best in the NRL.

1 Like
#12

I’m wondering if he’s the big strong Winger we’ve been missing?

He has been around for a long time now and he CAN play. He’s a strong fast Left Centre but I’m wondering if they could change his game up a bit and tune him up for Wing?

3 Likes
#13

@TorAckmann that’s an interesting thought. Our answer to Sivo and the likes.The guy has size and speed no doubt. Maybe him playing on the wing might also help prolong his body.

I am excited by his signing as well as Milne and Host.

IMO a great squad has been assembled.

5 Likes
#14

Why would you want too when he could feed one of the best finishers in the game on the left?

#15

I hear ya and you may be 100% correct.

In my fantasy I’d like to see us field a big powerful Winger to bring the ball back and be able to fulfil his other duties too.

As well, that Winger who plays on the Left has been our top try scorer for the last few years regardless of what his name is.
Jennings was, AJ is.
Why can’t we field a Monster on the right Wing?

2 Likes
#16

Right wing is a specialist position

Putting a left winger on the right never works

#17

Siv, We’ve been playing Centre’s as Wingers for years.

I don’t think Souths recognise a Right Winger as a specialist position

#18

I think specialist sides is more important for the inside men. AJ is as good on both sides.

#19

Bennett has always had a preference for defensive centres, big strong centres are a bonus. If Moga can get his 2017 form under Bennett back, he will be a weapon and a pairing of him and Graham with AJ and Gagai on the wings could prove a winning combination.

2017

2 Likes
#20

AJ and Merritts strike rate on the RW are way down

Almost half their success on the LW

Mellor has probably been our best right-wing in recent years

#21

I remember AJ scoring a bunch down the right with Dylan Walker in 2014.

It’s got more to do with who’s on the inside. Most right centres are ball hogs, because it’s easier to pass right to left.