To honour the Wallabies wearing the First Nations jersey against Argentina, Rugby.com.au has taken a look back at the incredible efforts by First Nations Wallabies - today reflecting on cross-code sensation Timana Tahu.
A strong running centre, Tahu starred in the National Rugby League where he won a premiership with Newcastle, played State of Origin and represented his country.
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Despite that strong CV, Tahu’s transition to the 15-man game was not heralded in the same way as that of fellow league converts Mat Rogers, Lote Tuqiri and Wendell Sailor despite bursting onto the scene.
Born in Melbourne to a New Zealand Maori father and an indigenous Australian mother, Tahu joined the New South Wales Waratahs in 2008 after eight years in the NRL.
He made his Super Rugby debut that year against the Hurricanes, instantly impressing as he caught the eyes of selectors.
The Melbourne-born Tahu would go on to be selected for Australia A months later, producing an incredible performance as he scored a try and set up several others against Tonga before scoring the match-winning try against Samoa.
In July, he was named in the 30 man Wallabies squad for the Tri-Nations series, handed his International debut later that month against New Zealand.
He would replace Matt Giteau at fly-half before switching to inside centre with Berrick Barnes as the Wallabies went on to defeat New Zealand 34-19 in Sydney.
Tahu made his run-on XV debut at No.12 as Australia was thumped 53-8 in their 3rd Test loss to South Africa in Johannesburg.
Timana Tahu was capped four times in 2008 but an injury-plagued 2009 saw him reach an agreement with the ARU to release him from his contracts, a decision that ended his international rugby career.
He would go on to return to the rugby league before a brief stint with the Denver Stampede in the US Pro Rugby competition.
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