KEY POINTS:
Whether New Zealand born, ex-rugby league prospect Josh Tatupu knows what a quokka is, remains to be seen.
But after becoming the 33rd and final member of the Western Force squad for 2008, the well-travelled 21-year-old is likely more concerned with rediscovering the union code than exploring the
native fauna of Rottnest Island.
While the furore was raging over Scott Fava and Richard Brown's mistreatment of quokkas during a team bonding session last week, the quietly spoken Tatupu yesterday slipped unnoticed into Perth and joined his new team.
And the former Melbourne Storm prospect, who was playing league in France with SM Pia XIII this year, and with Brisbane Norths before that, said his first task was to get to grips with a game he had not played since school.
"It is a good opportunity and I am really looking forward to it," Tatupu said. "I've played rugby league all my life, and I'm looking for a new challenge.
"I thought I would be always playing league, but things change. I normally pick things up pretty quick, and especially since I have done it before, it shouldn't take me too long.
"And I can't wait to learn from the likes of Matt Giteau, Junior Pelesasa and Scott Staniforth, and obviously Ryan Cross, who has already made the transition from league."
After being brought to Australia from Christchurch as a 16-year-old in 2002, Tatupu developed into a hard hitting 184cm, 102kg centre.
But after a season in France, a call from former All Black coach John Mitchell persuaded Tatupu to pack his bags again, and he arrives in Perth as midfield insurance following the ankle injury to Junior Pelesasa which ended his 2008 season before it began.
"Josh is a big guy with a low centre of gravity, and we see him having the potential to be a damaging runner," Mitchell said. "The loss of Junior through injury means we needed to add depth in our centres, and we feel that Josh can give that to us.
"He'll have a lot of work to do when he gets here, but he has the attributes to excel at this level."
It also swells the Kiwi connection at the Force who already boast coach Mitchell, Troy Takiari and new recruit Adam Clarke.
"When Mitch [John Mitchell] got in contact, I jumped at the chance," Tatupu said.
"He didn't really have to say anything, more just the opportunity of playing Super 14 next year, and to see how I go. And it is good having a few Kiwis here as well."
- AAP