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Timani living the dream

Dream comes true for Timani

07/12/2011 01:43:52 AM

As with a lot of Tongan footballers, actions speak louder than words for newly anointed Wallaby Sitaleki Timani.

But don't mistake the second-rower's laidback demeanour or softly-spoken ways for a lack of ambition and drive.

Timani grew up in Tonga with one dream - to one day represent the Wallabies.

While his older brother and fellow lock Sione nailed his flag to the Tongan mast, Timani was never going to waver from his goal until he'd reached it.

That moment came last weekend when Australia coach Robbie Deans rang the 203cm NSW forward, inviting him to join the 40-man Wallabies squad for the international winter campaign.

"I followed the Wallabies when I grew up because a few Tongan players, like Toutai Kefu, Mark Gerrard, Willie Ofahengaue and George Smith, played for them," Timani explained as reporters strained to hear the few words to escape his lips.

Timani could have ended up an All Black after a stint at Auckland Grammar School but when he failed to make the New Zealand schoolboys side he crossed the ditch.

He rose to prominence with the Waratahs this year, producing some monster hits which at times collected team-mates as collateral damage.

Tongan officials kept an eye on his progress and made one last play in an attempt to convince the younger of the Timani brothers to join the red crusade at this year's World Cup.

But they were wasting a phone call.

"I got a phone call from Robbie Deans, so it wasn't too hard, I came over straight away," Timani said.

"It means a lot. I came down here (to Australia) five years ago and dreamt of being a Wallaby and five years later, here I am. It's a dream come true."

Timani may make his Test debut as soon as this Sunday when Australia host Samoa in the first Test of the year at ANZ Stadium.

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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