Tu’ipulotu in his playing days at Nepean Rugby Park.

by Brendan Bradford –

The Penrith Emus have announced ex-Tongan international Sateki ‘Teki’ Tu’ipulotu as head coach for the 2013 Shute Shield season

A former Emus player, Tu’ipulotu represented Tonga at three World Cups and has recently coached the Tongan Sevens side and assisted the National team too.

A fullback, Tu’ipulotu appeared for Tonga at the 1995, 1999 and 2003 World Cups in a nine year international career. He is perhaps best remembered for a last second drop-goal from inside his own half to beat Italy 28-25 in the group stages of the 1999 tournament.

The announcement shores up the coaching ranks at Nepean Rugby Park after 2010 Shute Shield coach of the year, Matt Briggs, left at the conclusion of the 2012 season.

“Teki has been on board for a few weeks and has been working towards bringing some players in.” said Emus’ President Jim Hook.

“We’re very pleased to have him on board and we think he has a lot to offer in terms of playing and coaching experience. We’re looking forward to him working with our players going forward and it’ll be a good combination going into 2013.”

“There was quite a bit of interest for the role but we chose Teki not only for the amount of experience he has as a player, but his local connections as well. We have a large Islander community in Western Sydney and we believe his communication skills and his ability to work with the community will help him in the role.”

Pre-season is well under way at Nepean Park and Hook says he is already happy with what he has seen from his new coach.

“This will be his first coaching stint at Shute Shield level but from what I’ve seen so far at training, he’s got some very good plans and very good structures in place.”