Sitaleki Timani

The CA Brumbies are in the process of finalising their playing squad for 2009. One new face in the side is that of lock Sitaleki Timani from the Western Force. ‘Sita’, dubbed ‘the biggest man in Australian rugby’, stands 2.02 metres and 119 kilograms and will provide some bulk to the CA Brumbies’ forward pack. Brumby Jack caught up with Timani during his first weeks in camp with the CA Brumbies.

Brumby Jack: What was the route that led you to the CA Brumbies?
Sitaleki Timani: I began playing in Tonga when I was 17; I played for Tonga Secondary Schools team and got a scholarship in New Zealand. I played over there for two years and played league [for the Cronulla Sharks] for two years and then I went over to the Force, and from the Force to the Brumbies.

BJ: Were you playing any sport before you took up rugby?
ST: Yeah, I was playing soccer before that. Back in Tonga in my village we didn’t play rugby, we played soccer. I came over to Australia for the first time for the Tonga Under 16 and 17 team.

BJ: What was it that attracted you to the CA Brumbies?
ST: I was a Brumbies fan when I was growing up back in Tonga watching the Super 12 on TV, watching George Smith and George Gregan.

BJ: You mentioned that you have played some rugby league; what did you find were the main differences between rugby league and rugby union?
ST: Rugby league’s probably more simple. In rugby union you need to be working in every ruck and maul. I think rugby union is a bit tougher than rugby league.

BJ: You played for the Barbarians against Queensland earlier this month, what did you take out of that experience?
ST: It was good playing with some older guys and being able to get some advice off them – guys like Toutai Kefu. It was good to get some tips off them. It was good fun.

BJ: You’re not playing at the moment due to injury. What have you done and when can we expect you back on the field?
ST: I was playing my first game with Warringah in Sydney and I tore some ligaments in my ankle. It’s not too bad at the moment – I should be back in two or three weeks hopefully.

BJ: What are you looking to achieve personally with the CA Brumbies in 2009?
ST: I just want to train hard and be part of the 22.