Tai impresses for Wolves in Super League debut

By PARKER TAMBUA
WARRINGTON Wolves director of rugby Gary Chambers is impressed with Papua New Guinea international Roderick Tai’s debut match in the Challenge Cup against London Broncos yesterday morning.
The Sam Burgess-coached side thrashed Broncos 42-0 as the former SP PNG Hunter scored a try to cap off a memorable debut at the Halliwell Jones Stadium in Warrington.
Wolves secured a spot in the quarterfinals following the big win.
Chambers told The National after the game that Tai was solid for the Wolves.
“It was a really strong debut from Rodrick Tai,” Chambers said.
“We saw lots of quality involvements in attack and defence. He scored a really good try as well. This is a very positive start for Rod in his career in Warrington.”
In the lead-up to the game, Burgess said he did not have any high expectations on Tai as his (Tai’s) fitness was a work in progress.
However, Tai was outstanding in his debut also having a hand in utility Matty Nicholas’ 74th minute try.
Tai’s try in the 26th minute was Warrington’s third in their nine-try haul.
The former Lae Tiger scored when fullback Matt Dufty threw a long pass to five-eighth Stefan Ratchford who set up Tai on the outside as he carried three Broncos over the line.
The PNG University of Technology League product played alongside former St George Illawarra Dragons stars Dufty and Paul Vaughn.
Meanwhile, Super League returns this weekend which will see the Wolves take on Catalan Dragons in round six.
The Wolves are currently sitting on top of the 12-team competition ladder. Tai has a chance of returning to his spot after an impressive debut yesterday.