Rugby League: Motu Tony sends message to the boys

By PETER JESSUP

Motu Tony feels re-invigorated after his shift from the Warriors to Brisbane, and is looking forward to showing his former team-mates and coach what that means for his football tomorrow.

Tony rates the pre-season preparation in Brisbane as "the toughest I've had" and said he was in better shape than he had ever been.

"At the Warriors it was tough some days, then you would get a rest. This has been intense every day, and when you think you've reached the limit the intensity goes up again.

"I'm feeling fitter than ever, and stronger, so hopefully that comes out on the field."

He's also pleased to have the opportunity to cement a place at fullback now Broncos coach Wayne Bennett has shifted Darren Lockyer forward to five-eighths.

At the Warriors, Tony was a hooker, halfback, five-eighths and fullback fill-in - a bench player looked to for impact.

He delivered that, right from his first game in 2001 when he scored a try 30 seconds after taking the field against the Dragons.

But he couldn't cement a jersey number and starting spot, and started to get restless. After the 2002 Kiwi tour to England he asked the Warriors for a release. They asked him to play out 2003 then go a year earlier than his contract date.

"I'm looking forward to playing the Warriors," he said this week. "I've still got lots of close friends there, but I'm on the other side now."

So he doesn't expect any easy treatment. He won't be surprised if the Warriors "bomb" him, testing a supposed weakness in taking the high ball.

New coach Bennett has told Tony to take the first couple of weeks to settle in.

Tony likes the idea of not having to worry about doing too much in his first week to secure another start.

"He's given me a good chance, just told me to play my game. He wants to watch and will then tell me what to work on."

He is also pleased Bennett has not tried to stifle his flair, the individual brilliance that makes Tony such a dangerous attacker.

"I hope to carry on from where I left off last year. But I know I need to get some consistency into my game."

He expects the environment at the Broncos to help that.

"They are a benchmark in the NRL and you can feel why - the place is very professional on and off the field."

Tony had 55 games for the Warriors and was in the playoffs three times. He is a good buy for the Broncos because of that experience, and because of his versatility.

He will be keen to impress to cement a longer-term deal than the one-year contract he has.

He is also keen to impress Kiwis coach Daniel Anderson.

"That win over Australia last year was a big highlight in my career. I hope Daniel keeps me in mind again this year."

Tony and wife Kesia have enjoyed the change of pace in Brisbane, the weather and the beaches of the Gold Coast to the south and the Sunshine Coast to the north.

He has "given her the year off working" as they settle in.

MOTU TONY

Born: May 29, 1981, Western Samoa.

Educated: De La Salle College, Auckland.

Junior club: Marist.

Bartercard Cup side: Marist-Richmond.

Skills: Fullback with experience at five-eighths, halfback and hooker.

NRL debut: v Dragons, round 4, 2001.

NRL record: 55 games for 23 tries.

Tests: 3, 2001-03.

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