Taufua has been one of the success stories of the ITM Cup, managing to earn himself a Super Rugby contract with the Crusaders even though he was deemed surplus to requirements in the Canterbury ITM Cup set-up.
Canterbury activated a clause in his loan agreement to bring him back for their ITM Cup Premiership semi-final win over Taranaki after a horror run of injuries to their loose forward stocks.
Taufua was a second half substitute and managed to score for the home side in their 51-27 extra time victory. His experience with the Makos was clearly not forgotten as he signalled a shark fin when celebrating his try.
When reflecting on the season, MacDonald, who is the Tasman Makos assistant coach, was quick to highlight the barn-storming number eight as one of his players of the season.
"When we signed the loan agreement we knew exactly what would happen and we were lucky that it didn't happen earlier. We got a lot of games out of him and we can't be too disappointed," MacDonald said.
"Coming to Tasman was good for him too. He wasn't in the Canterbury squad and yet he picked up a contract with the Crusaders. It shows that if we can get more loan players from Canterbury it benefits the player, us, and Canterbury can benefit from it so it's a very successful template if we can strike that relationship."
MacDonald, who is yet to re-sign with the Tasman Rugby Union, said there had not been much talk between himself and head coach Kieran Keane regarding next season.
He was enjoying his time off and says that recruitment would be the first focus ahead of the 2013 campaign. Due to the success of Taufua and another late addition, Peter Betham, who earned himself a contract with the Waratahs, MacDonald said the team would continue to look outside the district for talent.
"Marlborough and Nelson have some good rugby players but some of them aren't ready yet while there are some positions we may struggle in. I'd say there is a good chance that would happen again."
With Joe Wheeler confirmed to join the Highlanders, Shane Christie and Tom Marshall the Crusaders, Quentin MacDonald weighing up his options and props Sam Prattley and Tim Perry both in hot demand, Tasman was starting to benefit from having more full-time rugby players.
But that can have its downside, and MacDonald said the province struggled to meet the financial demands of some of the players.
"It is nice that they're getting recognition. They'll come back fitter and wiser but it obviously boosts up their worth so money becomes an issue. We want them to succeed but we want them to stay in the province."
- By Phillip Rollo of the Nelson Weekly
