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An NRL Premiership winner with Newcastle in 2001, Tahu joins the Waratahs from Parramatta, where he played the last 46 of his 143 career matches.
Tahu, also a veteran of 11 State of Origin matches for NSW and five Tests for Australia, says he’s glad to get out on the training paddock after months of anticipation.

“It was a tough start but it’s always good to blow out the cobwebs,” Tahu said.

“First day back is always a bit tight and today was no different, I’ve never done a running drill like that one before.

“I’ve been warmly welcomed by the boys, which really took a load off.

“I’ve played against Sam Harris when he was at the Eagles and I’ve met Kurtley (Beale) once but apart from that I knew no-one so it’s good to get this one out of the way.”

Beale, who trained alongside Tahu on day one, said it was a thrill to have him on board.

“Very exciting, yeah, just to train with a guy of his standing in sport,” Beale said.

“He’s going to be a great person to have around the team.”

Tahu spoke at length with a large media contingent following the running portion of the test, and said he intends to spend the coming months learning the game rather than worrying about where he will play.

“I’ve been earmarked for the centres but I’m not overly concerned where I line up,” he said.

“I’m just looking forward to getting some training under my belt over the next couple of months and the rest will look after itself.”

Tahu was joined in training by fellow newcomers Ben Batger, Matt Carraro and Ben Mowen, along with Professional Academy recruits Adam Byrnes, Laurie Weeks, Chris Thomson, Andrew Smith, and Australian Schoolboy star Robert Horne.

“It was a good start for the 2008 squad,” HSBC Waratahs head coach Ewen McKenzie said.

“Everyone who was fit to train did well, which is a positive sign for next year.

“I was particularly pleased with the effort of the new players in the squad, they’re all very keen to do well and showed that today.”

The Waratahs Rugby World Cup representatives return to training in December.