Dargaville and Taueki bolster Eagles backline
Selection headaches were aplenty for head coach Marco Caputo this week, particularly for jerseys 9-15.
The return of James Dargaville from the Japan Sunwolves adds immense experience, and the addition of point-scoring powerhouse Brendon Taueki brings serious firepower to an already slick Eagles backline.
Unfortunately, Super Rugby franchise Japan Sunwolves didn’t get to see out their final year at the top level due to the COVID-19 situation, but the silver lining is that Dargs can make his return to the Nest.
James says Canberra and the Eagles were the perfect fit for the next phase of his career and he was excited to take Marco’s call.
He says “Canberra has been great to both my partner and I for a number of years. The Eagles, in particular, have a been very supportive and always made me feel apart of their family so when the opportunity presented itself to come back I jumped at it”,
“Speaking to Marco when I first got back, got me excited about the playing group for this season. A lot of familiar faces mixed with young talent coming through. I’ve enjoyed getting out on a Tuesday and Thursday with some great fellas and great volunteers”,
Dargaville was brought into the Eagles leadership group, given his impressive rugby CV and experience.
James says “It’s aways a privilege to be apart of a leadership group. Im just looking to add my small piece of experience to this group and win games of rugby with a great team”,
The club is also proud to have a recognised Canberra great in Brendon Taueki head north of the lake from Tuggeranong to join us in 2020.
When asked about his first impressions of the Eagles, Taueki said he was amazed by the quality of the coaching and support crew.
Brendon says “The first thing I noticed was how strong the club actually is! Seeing and having some of the clubs old boys at every training makes a massive difference and shows how strong the club is”
“I’ve definitely enjoyed all the coaches and their experience around the game. One thing I do like, in particular, is that they really take on board the players’ feedback and try to implement it all into the training and game prep”,
“I’m really excited to be running out in the black jersey this weekend, the old body feels good getting through two preseasons. The season ahead will be great for the club. With so much depth in between the grades players will be pushing each other to play our best week in week out”,
Brendon says there are a few players he’s particularly keen to take the field with after competing against them for many years.
“Having played so many games against Hawkey, Connelly, Baz, Smally and a lot of others I’m definitely keen to play with them! And having so many young talented players coming through I’m keen to have a run alongside them as well”
Cornerstone Pub will be LIVE STREAMING the 1st Grade game on their big screen from 3pm. Be sure to call ahead and book a table on 6147 5518!