Kelepi Tanginoa is preparing to draw inspiration from his family connections as he takes part in the Super League’s Magic Weekend at Liverpool’s Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Warrington back-rower, who is a supporter of Everton football club, has a personal link to the club through his wife Evelyn’s uncle, Tim Cahill, an Everton legend and former Australian international.
Tanginoa said he plans to pay tribute to Cahill, known for his iconic goal celebrations, if he scores a try during the event. “If I score a try, I’m going to run to the nearest flag. I’ll do the special one,” Tanginoa said, referencing Cahill’s memorable corner flag celebrations. The 32-year-old praised Cahill’s status in both Australian and English football. “He’s a legend. They treat him as a legend in Australia for what he’s done for sport as a whole, not just football. He scored Australia’s first-ever World Cup goal and with what he did over here, he set the standard for the Socceroos.”
Tanginoa described occasional conversations with Cahill, who is currently engaged with World Cup activities in Qatar, although their contact is limited given Cahill’s busy schedule. “We speak to him when he’s available but he’s a very busy man. He’s working in Qatar but we had time together in Australia at Christmas,” Tanginoa said, adding that conversations are informal and often focus on football, reflecting Cahill’s passion for the sport.
While Tanginoa has a strong connection to football through Cahill, he admitted the round ball game remains unfamiliar to him. “When I got to the UK, that’s all we did. It felt foreign to me. I didn’t have the feet for it,” he said, noting that his upbringing in Australia focused more on rugby, Australian Rules football, or cricket.
Warrington is set to conclude the Magic Weekend schedule with a clash against Leigh. Currently positioned two points behind league leaders Leeds Rhinos but with a game in hand, Warrington’s squad is dealing with several absences. Tanginoa acknowledged the challenge but expressed confidence in the team’s prospects. “It’s massive. We’ve a lot of big players out. If we can get by until they come back, we’ll be in a good place,” he said. The match will be critical for Warrington’s ambitions as they aim to maintain pressure on the top of the Super League standings.