Barnes, Tamanika join Souths
2nd November 2007
It was quite appropriate that Nathanael Barnes, recently-struck contract with the South Sydney Rabbitohs as it 'all happened pretty quickly'. After all, Barnes is a player who does everything in top speed. But a first grade call-up eluded the prolific try-scorer. He also played two trial matches with the Gold Coast last season. The lightning-fast winger recently signed a one-year deal to don the Rabbitohs famous red and green jersey in the National Rugby League. The contract capped off an amazing 12 months for Barnes, one of the many standout performers for the Tweed Heads Seagulls in their breakthrough Queensland Wizard Cup premiership. Barnes, 25, joined his new teammates in Sydney this morning for his first training run with the Jason Taylor-coached Rabbitohs team. His main goal is secure a first grade berth in South Sydney?s team for the opening match of next year's season. "It's the level I want to play at," Barnes said. "That's my goal. It would be great to force my way into the team.
Ironically, Barnes could find himself jostling for a spot on the wing with another Queensland Cup winger. Brisbane Easts powerhouse John Tamanika is also pressing for a spot in the Rabbitohs' first grade team. Tamanika also joined Barnes at South Sydney training today.