Lote Tuqiri may be big in stature and name but as far as first impressions go, the man is class with a capital C.

Just two hours after arriving in Sydney at 8.30am from a long and delayed journey from London and with little sleep, Lote was happy to front a media conference at Wests Tigers headquarters at Concord Oval leaving his wife and two boys at home to settle in.

It is very rare for elite athletes to front a media conference after such a long flight but Lote did it with a smile. And he did it for 2 hours!

That’s Lote.

He was amazed as to how many journalists, photographers and camera crews were present. Like his former rugby team-mate Wendell Sailor, Lote enjoys the media hype - at times.

Proudly sitting between Coach Tim Sheens and Captain Robbie Farah (who came in on his day off), Lote was officially welcomed to the club by CEO Stephen Humphreys, who took the opportunity to praise Lote on his professionalism.

That’s the key word – professionalism.

The floor was opened to journalists from the daily papers, radio stations and television networks. In front of Lote were countless tape recorders and photographers who continually snapped away. It was the biggest media conference for any Wests Tigers player in the club's history.

One by one, Lote picked each question off. And he did it with a smile. Honest, open answers. There were no standard rugby league clichés from Lote.

He also showed a good sense of humour. When asked how he feels about Manly stating they would test him out after seven years away from the game, Lote smiled, The dual international talked it up a bit but confidently backed his own ability in saying 'let them'.

One question that brought a laugh was addressed to Sheens. Asked how how exciting it was for the Wests Tigers to have a marquee player who could finish the plays off and score, Sheens paused before stating "I’ll tell Taniela you said that”.

Sheens was also protective in saying he had the final right to determine whether Tuqiri plays against Manly this Monday at the Sydney Football Stadium, depending on how the winger feels over the next few days. Sheens anticipates he will play.

Following the press conference, it was time for the traditional ‘one on one’ interviews with journalists and tv reporters. Each were given a short time. As to how many crews there were, Channel Nine and Fox Sports sent two crews and reporters, such was the strong interest in Tuqiri.

In between Lote posed for more photos and was joined in passing the ball for the cameras by new team-mate in prop Keith Galloway, who like Tuqiri, plays his 100th NRL game on Monday night. Galloway took time out from doing a first aid course to meet his new winger.

It was then time for more interviews and more similar questions. Once completed, his final duty was to try on his new club suit to wear on Monday night.

It was a big day for Tuqiri but you could sense the excitement in his voice. He can’t wait to start playing with his new team-mates. And Wests Tigers members and supporters across the globe can’t wait either!

Welcome to Wests Tigers, Lote Tuqiri!

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