The Queensland Reds have added another code-hopper to their list, announcing the signing of Broncos forward Caleb Timu on Thursday.
Already featuring former NRL stars Karmichael Hunt and Eto Nabuli on their list, the Reds have added the bullocking Timu, a player once likened to former Brisbane Broncos captain Gorden Tallis.
Rugby is not all new for Timu, a 2011 Australian schoolboys representative, who has played alongside new teammates Jake McIntyre, Curtis Browning and Pettowa Paraka.
In fact, Timu has played little professional football of any kind in the past two years ,undergoing a Mormon mission in 2014 and 2015 before taking up an offer with the Broncos.
Reds general manager Daniel Herbert said Timu would be working closely with newly promoted assistant coach Brad Thorn, while the main squad is in South Africa.
“We’re pleased to be able to welcome Caleb (Timu) back to Rugby and to the Reds,” he said.
“He is a dynamic footballer and someone we’ve tracked since his high school days.
“We expect he will offer a lot to our side over the next two years, as we continue to build our program.
“Caleb will spend the next two weeks working intensively with Brad Thorn to refamiliarise himself with Rugby and will train with the Reds main squad on their return from the African tour.”
Timu, who was released from his Broncos contract early to join the Reds, said the move was the best one for him.
“I am pleased to be returning to Rugby and joining the Reds,” he said.
“I know some of the players from schoolboy Rugby and am looking forward to joining the team. I’m grateful to the Broncos for their understanding and their support of my Rugby ambitions.”
