Kata impresses officials

NEW Brumbies recruit Solomone Kata has made an instant impression in Canberra and backs coach Pete Hewat believes the former NRL player can bring a vital “point of difference” to the ACT backline in 2020.

The 25-year-old centre joined the ACT club in the off-season after six years in the NRL and he is already surprising teammates and coaches with his smooth transition back to rugby.

Kata played rugby all through his childhood but switched to league when he was offered a contract with the New Zealand Warriors in the NRL.

He played 93 games for the Kiwi outfit before signing with the Melbourne Storm through to 2020.

Late last year, though, Kata opted to return to his childhood code and instead of taking up a second-year option with the Storm, he joined the Brumbies.

The 177cm, 104kg centre has a hulking presence on the field and Hewat said he was excited to see how the ball-crashing back can influence a competitive clash.

“We’ve been surprised but also amazed at how quickly he’s actually got back into rugby and understanding the rules and look forward to seeing how he goes,” he said.

“He brings that point of difference to our backline that we haven’t had for a few years, power and aggression and we’re really looking forward to seeing how he transfers into his opening games.”

Kata shapes as an inside centre prospect, jostling with incumbent Irae Simone for that position, and if he gets an opportunity he could make up one half of a super-sized midfield alongside Wallaby Tevita Kuridrani.

We’ve been surprised but also amazed at how quickly he’s actually got back into rugby Pete Hewat