CLANCY OVERELL | Editor | CONTACT
As two of Australia’s most loved non-AFL footy codes face the prospect of collapse under the gruelling COVID-19 lockdown, the one man that can save both games has today said “nah”.
Dual-code international and famously tough board negotiator, Lote Tuqiri has today turned down both the NRL and Australian rugby CEO positions.
This comes as World Cup-winning Wallaby captain Nick Farr-Jones was joined by George Gregan, Stirling Mortlock, George Smith, Simon Poidevin, Stephen Moore, Jason Little, Rod McCall, Nathan Sharpe and Phil Kearns in signing the letter, which stated the Rugby Australia needed “vision, leadership and a plan for the future”.
It coincides with the resignation of Todd Greenberg as NRL CEO just a month before the rugby league is expected to restart.
Tuqiri says he doesn’t have enough time in his day to play politics with his ex-teammates and sports administrators, and would much prefer to focus on his upcoming reggae album.
After dabbling with grassroots football programs and pathways clinics, Tuqiri was encouraged to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a recording artist by his co-stars in last year’s male-stripper reality show, The All New Monty.
An unmastered leak of his debut record was leaked on Soundcloud last month, and received rave reviews – although Tuqiri says it’s not quite finished yet.
Titled “FUNKY ANNERLEY” The album takes off with the opening track ‘Baby I’m A Bronco’ an up-tempo roots reggae tune about his time spent in Red Hill. Lote is offers some love and affection on the sweet ballad ‘Me And Wendell’ – a typical lover’s tune about the revolution of code-hopping in Australian rugby. He adds a little calypso vibe to ‘2 Ringz’ a tune about the redemption of the South Sydney Rabbitohs. Deep drumming baby-maker ballads ‘On The Sting’ and ‘Toey Norton Nights’ easily live up to the expectations set by the first three songs. ‘2nd Team For Brisbane’ is a serious one, backed by some sweet guitar play, a deep roots tune with an ancient message.
When asked if he would consider being the CEO of either code after his album is finished, Lote responded with another firm “nah”.
“Not interested”
“I’d have to take a pay cut….”
“Wait till you hear this album”
