Starford To’a reflects on first week at Wests Tigers

Author: Wests Tigers
Timestamp: Thu 20 Jan 2022, 01:58 PM

Starford To’a may have only been at Wests Tigers for one week but he already feels at home.

After signing on at the end of last week, the outside back joined his new teammates for training on Monday and has already settled in well.

Having missed the start of pre-season training with the squad, To’a has the goal of quickly gaining trust of his new teammates.

“It’s been a really good week. The boys have been welcoming and the staff have been great — I think I’ve settled in pretty well,” To’a said.

“It was a bit of a weird transition coming to the club late into pre-season, but I’m here to gain the boys’ trust and trying to be someone to depend on.”

The former Newcastle Knights player has signed a two-year deal with the club which will see him in Wests Tigers colours until at least the end of the 2023 season.

To’a has played 20 NRL games since debuting a couple of seasons ago, and he’s capable featuring at fullback, on the wing and in the centres — adding great depth to the Wests Tigers backline.

“I want to be more consistent. My goal is to play more regularly and at a consistent level,” he said.

“Hopefully I can do my job and help Wests Tigers have a big season.”

Day 1 for Starford To'a 🐯✅ pic.twitter.com/5lDhts3FHm
— Wests Tigers (@WestsTigers) January 17, 2022

To’a is looking forward to pulling on the Wests Tigers for the first time this season and is keen to play alongside a number of new teammates.

“There are heaps of players I’m looking forward to playing with at Wests Tigers, but I’m especially looking forward to lining up with Daine Laurie,” the outside back said.

“He had a breakout season last year and is ready for another big season. He has similar traits to ‘KP’ [Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga] — he’s very talented and electric.”

Wests Tigers coach Michael Maguire is looking forward to mentoring To’a this season.

“Starford is a talented player with NRL experience and I’m really pleased to welcome him to our team,” Maguire said.

“Starford will be a great addition to the talented young squad that we’re building, and I look forward to him joining the team ahead of the 2022 NRL season.”