Dream Team Builder: Timana Tahu

2012 position: Centre
2012 price: $124,400
Byes (in head-to-head Dream Team rounds): Round 15

Why he should be in your squad
A former superstar on the wing for Newcastle, Tahu could be handy value in the centres this year after returning to the Knights following stints in rugby union, then Parramatta and Penrith.

Injury restricted the former international to just seven games for the Panthers last season, following an underwhelming 2010 campaign at the Eels.

That has many writing off the 30-year-old as being past his best, and certainly the former speedster isn't as lethal with he once was.

Certainly, Tahu is no longer the explosive winger who helped Newcastle to a premiership, played 11 games for NSW Origin and scored five tries in as many games for Australia. But the older, bulkier Tahu has developed into a hard-hitting centre who could spend some time off the bench as an impact second-rower this year.

If he replaces the retired Adam MacDougall as Newcastle's new right centre, then line breaks and try assists shouldn't be too hard to come by. After all, he'd be playing alongside human wrecking ball Akuila Uate, who looks capable of finding the tryline every time he is given the ball.

Even playing reduced minutes in the forwards on a regular basis should mean Tahu's low price should climb, assuming he does a fair share of work in defence and picks up the odd tackle bust.

The downside?
It's still unknown how coach Wayne Bennett will utilise Tahu, who has presumably rejoined the Knigths as part of owner Nathan Tinkler's campaign to bring home Newcastle locals – rather than as part of Bennett's long-term plans.

With Junior Sa'u holding one centre spot, Tahu will battle the much-improved Wes Naiqama and talented youngster Siuatonga Likiliki for the other.

Under the new Toyota NRL Dream Team scoring system Tahu would have averaged just 21 points a game last year, and that will need to improve if he is to be a value buy.

Risk rating: Arguably the most questionable new signing for the revamped Knights (alongside unwanted bad boy Daine Laurie), Tahu could be anything in Dream Team this season. If he gets anywhere near back to his best he should be a bargain at $124,400, but if his downward trend of the past few years continues he'll be a flop.

But if you're trying to be tight with your salary cap budget early on, he might be a gamble worth taking. Four Matt Orfords.

Sign up for Toyota NRL Dream Team Assistant Coach and get the full player list, including positions, prices and the 2012 Team Picker. Register your interest here: dreamteam.nrl.com.

NRL Dream Team Builders are compiled with the help of NRL.com's Lone Scout.

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