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Tongan Thor re-signs with Reds

Queensland Reds have re-signed the teenager dubbed the "Tongan Thor" Taniela Tupou for another two Super Rugby seasons.

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Source: AAP


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The teenager dubbed the Tongan Thor - Taniela Tupou - is primed to hammer the 2016 Super Rugby competition after re-signing with the Queensland Reds.

The 19-year-old tighthead prop is yet to make his Super Rugby debut but showed enough while training with the Reds squad this year to earn a two-year contract extension.

The 135kg Tupou shot to fame two years ago when clips of his ball-running and try-scoring exploits for Auckland's Sacred Heart College went viral.

He snubbed New Zealand scouts and signed an initial two-year Reds contract ahead of the 2015 season and has since been dubbed a future Wallabies superstar by Queensland staff.

"When I came here from school I didn't realise how hard it would be to play Super Rugby but I've learnt a lot in the last year and I know I have to keep working hard to get a chance to play for the Reds," Tupou said.

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"I just want to keep learning and hopefully I will get my opportunity to play Super Rugby for the Reds soon."

Tupou starred for the Brothers club and turned heads for Queensland Country in the National Rugby Championship where he scored three trademark barnstorming tries in six matches this year.

"Taniela has impressed everyone, not only with his athletic ability, but with his enthusiasm to learn and improve," Queensland Rugby Union executive general manager Daniel Herbert said.


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