RUGBY LEAGUE
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TAKING a stunning step back in time, Cootamundra has put a Group Nine recruitment target on Fijian international Tabua Cakacaka.
A decade after making a smashing impact with Cootamundra, 34-year-old Cakacaka is now squarely on the radar to complete a fabulous football odyssey by returning to the Bulldogs.
Cootamundra coach Mark Elia yesterday revealed negotiations with the Fiji giant were at an advanced stage and he was optimistic about Cakacaka's Riverina comeback.
Elia said the deal was "dependant" on Cakacaka obtaining a work visa to come to Australia for the Group Nine season.
"Tabua's still got some goals and he's really keen," Elia said yesterday.
"He wants to make the Fijian rugby league team again and thinks this is a way of getting there."
With the timing critical, Elia is adamant Cakacaka still has much to offer Cootamundra.
"He's been busy since he was here (in 2000)," Elia said.
"Obviously he had time in Sydney, but also played in France and England."
A striking ball-playing prop, Cakacaka was only 17 when he moved from Fiji to chase an NRL career, first with South Sydney and later Canberra.
In between times, Cakacaka created waves in Group Nine with Cootamundra and Young, played for Fiji at international level before ultimately getting his biggest break with English club Gateshead.
During three seasons with Gateshead, the latest in 2011, Cakacaka was a spearhead for the Thunder as they qualified for the coveted Challenge Cup quarter-finals in 2009.
For Cootamundra, the second-coming of Cakacaka will be a perfect fit for the team.
Elia yesterday confirmed English front-rower Kyle Neale had "indicated" he will not be playing with the Bulldogs this year.
"We were hoping to encourage him (Neale) to stay but it seems he'll be going home (to England)," Elia said.
"I understand he will be leaving in early February."
With Neale's departure, there will be a readymade spot for Cakacaka in the Cootamundra pack.
And as much as Neale performed creditably for the Bulldogs, the veteran Fijian now has a more imposing resume and packs greater punch.
With Cakacaka poised to join Grant Boyd as Cootamundra's most important recruits, the club is still in the market for further talent.
Elia said the Bulldogs had other "irons in the fire", with Boyd's influence likely to produce favourable results.
"Yes, we are chasing a couple of players but there is nothing in black and white yet," Elia said.
Breaking with the club's recent routine, Cootamundra will play at the West Wyalong Knockout on February 22-23 before tackling the combined Group Nine-Group 20 pre-season competition in March-April.