Wellington Phoenix have made a major splash in the mid-season transfer window, signing 47-time New Zealand international Bill Tuiloma on a two-and-a-half-year deal.
The 30-year-old joins the Phoenix having played more than 200 matches during stints in both France and the USA.
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Playing for the likes of French Ligue 1 giants Olympique de Marseille and later Strasbourg, Tuiloma then moved stateside where he played for MLS sides Portland Timbers and Charlotte FC before opting to return home to New Zealand.
“Bill will bring quality and experience to our backline,” said Wellington Phoenix head coach Giancarlo Italiano.
“His ability with the ball is one of his biggest assets. He’ll add to the way we build up, which is very important.
He continued: “Bill wants to be part of the All Whites squad for this year’s FIFA World Cup so he’s very motivated to be here and play a run of games.
“He also has international experience and is a really good age as well. It’s great to have him in Wellington.”
Ready to hit the ground running with the Nix, Tuiloma arrived in Wellington last weekend and has already begun training with his new side.
However, the experienced centre back won’t be eligible to make his Phoenix debut until the Isuzu UTE A-League registration window opens on January 14, meaning Wellington’s away clash against Sydney FC on January 18 could be his first appearance in a Nix shirt.
“I am aware the window opens on the 14th so I’ve got 10 days or so to knuckle down, get training and push for game time.
“The last six weeks I’ve been working hard and staying on top of my cardio to make sure I put myself in the best position to make this transition to the A-League.
“I want to be ready to rock and roll for the Phoenix.
He went on to say: “I’m excited to be in Wellington and I’m grateful for the opportunity the Phoenix have given me.
“I’m ready to play, win games and help the team as much as I can on and off the pitch.
“I know it’s been a rollercoaster so far this season, but the Phoenix have the players and the quality and I can’t wait to start playing and hopefully help the team go all the way and win a trophy.”
Tuiloma will join a defensive unit that has had plenty of fans and pundits talking about them this season.
“I’ve got a lot of experience playing a high line. I’m not new to the tactic.
“I spoke to Chief and we had a really good talk. He has his tactics and he definitely has the players to do it.
“They did a really good job in their last game against Brisbane. It works and it comes down to the players to execute it on the pitch..
He is also looking forward to being able to have his mum and dad watch him play every second week.
“Outside of a handful of games for the All Whites I haven’t played in front of my family in New Zealand. It’s special to be able to come home and be able to play in front of not only a big crowd of Phoenix fans, but my family as well.”
As well as his family, Tuiloma is also reuniting with fellow All Whites Tim Payne and club captain Alex Rufer, who he played with at the Asia Pacific Football Academy in Christchurch.
“I remember this skinny white kid coming into the academy. I’ve known Rufer for a very long time and it’s good to be able to play with him again.
“I also know Payney from when we played together at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Mexico and at Waitakere United.
“They’re great guys and I’m excited to play with them and the rest of the team. When the interest from the Phoenix came about, I quietly talked to both of them about what Wellington’s like. They were really on to me about wanting me to sign with the Phoenix.”
Currently sat ninth on the ladder, Wellington Phoenix welcome Adelaide United to Sky Stadium this Saturday in Round 12 of the Isuzu UTE A-League.
