Super League 2016 - Hull FC: Kiwi Tuimavave hoping to make up for lost time at Hull FC

IF Hull FC's latest New Zealand recruit Carlos Tuimavave needs one thing only this season then it is, quite simply, games.
Hull FC's's Carlos Tuimavave.Hull FC's's Carlos Tuimavave.
Hull FC's's Carlos Tuimavave.

Despite now being 24, the Auckland-born player has actually only played just 13 first-grade club matches during his career.

That is something certainly at odds with the talent he had when first emerging through the youth ranks at New Zealand Warriors and as a Junior Kiwis captain.

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Indeed, Tuimavave was stand-off alongside scrum-half Shaun Johnson in that title-winning Warriors youth side but whereas the latter went on to be named the world’s best player in 2014, his own career has yet to take off.

Having left NRL club Newcastle Knights for East Yorkshire, where he is seen more as a centre by Hull head coach Lee Radford, Tuimavave is eager to finally see that happen.

“Being in and out of first-grade in the NRL was a bit tough for me and frustrating,” admitted the player who, despite his relative inactivity, has still played for Samoa at international level.

“So, the opportunity to come here and play a lot more is something I really wanted.

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“I’m not sure what happened back home. There was just always older and more experienced players in front of me but I had a few games now and then.

“Yet, when I did get a good run of games for Newcastle last season, once I announced I’d signed for Hull FC, I ended up stopping playing NRL.

“I guess that’s how things work but I’m looking forward to playing here in Super League now.”

It is certainly set to be Tuimavave’s big chance to revive his stalled career.

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“The decision to move wasn’t something I took lightly – it was a massive one to make,” he maintained, ahead of Friday’s Super League opener against visiting Salford Red Devils.

“But I was at Newcastle and my partner was expecting a child so when (Hull football director) Motu Tony gave my manager a call and offered a three-year contract I knew there’d be a bit of security, too. Now we’re here and ready to go it’s an exciting time.”

A dynamic, skilful and exciting player, Tuimavave – whose cousin, the prop Evarn, played 23 games for Hull KR in 2013 – could bring some added attacking flair to the Airlie Birds this season as they seek to make up for last year’s tepid eighth-place finish.

He scored two tries from centre on his debut in the 60-20 friendly rout of Rovers and admitted: “It’s been close to two years since I played that role but I’m comfortable playing there.

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“Hopefully I can keep building as the weeks go on. I can play a few positions but I have been training mainly at centre.”

Considering his scarcity of back catalogue material, Tuimavave may have the potential to be a surprise package against unknowing opponents in 2016.

“I don’t really mind about that,” he countered. “As long as I’m doing my job at training and on the field and making my team-mates happy with the way I’m playing that’s all I’m worried about.

“I don’t know too much about Hull itself but I know a lot of legends of the game – a lot of great Kiwis players – came here and the club has a proud history.

“I’m looking forward to playing my part.”