Confident Wests Tigers star recruit Lote Tuqiri has taunted Manly over its plan to target him in his return to the NRL on Monday night, claiming he doesn't even know the players assigned to bring him down.
The dual international flew back to Sydney on Wednesday night and despite lack of sleep and a dose of jetlag was typically self-assured as he sought to convince the doubters he can make a successful return to the NRL after seven years in rugby.
Tuqiri is set to make his debut on the left wing for the Tigers against the Sea Eagles in Monday night footy at the SFS and is unfazed by Manly coach Des Hasler's plan to isolate him with a bombardment of kicks.
"Who are their wingers?" Tuqiri said half-mockingly.
"If they (Manly) want to bring it on, so be it."
"They're obviously a strong outfit and have been over the past few seasons (but) I welcome the challenge."
Tigers coach Tim Sheens, who will assess Tuqiri's fitness over the next few days before making a final decision on whether he plays Monday night, was also unconcerned about a possible kicking blitz raining down on his new man.
He said of the Sea Eagles' 'Target Tuqiri' strategy: "I'd expect that to come from them."
"To me, targeting a winger is not easy – you can ruin a game plan trying to do that."
"He's pretty good under the ball – if you're going to target a winger you're going to target him with some kicks."
Tuqiri last played rugby league in 2002, switching to union the following season and representing the Waratahs and Wallabies over the ensuing seven years
He cut short a stint with English rugby outfit Leicester to arrive back in Australia in time for the NRL kick off, saying the lure of proving himself in the sport again was too good an opportunity to pass up.
"I could have played in France or stayed in Leicester but I like to challenge myself," he said.
"I want to challenge myself against the superstars in the game - the likes of Hayne, Folau – to see if I've still got it or not."
"Hopefully I can show I'm still a fair player."
Asked if he felt he'd be right to go just five days after getting off a plane and without a league game under his belt for seven years, Tuqiri replied: "I'd rather get straight back into it."
"I'm a footy player first and foremost and I'll throw myself in the deep and see how we go."
"I did play a long time ago now but (it's now) sink or swim."
"I think I'll be okay but the proof will be in the pudding."
A cautious Sheens added: "If I don't think he's ready he won't play."
"We'll just see what happens over the next few days."
"We've got three years to get things to happen and if it means a delay of a week then so be it, but I'm anticipating he'll play."