Wing or flanker? The question is one that rarely troubles the average rugby union player, but 'average' is not a term usually associated with Newcastle's Tongan veteran Epi Taione.
Standing at 6ft 5in and weighing over 19 stones, Taione is a Falcon on a mission, be that as a rampaging forward or a majestic back-line runner.
The 25-year-old is one of the world's few players able to turn a match on its head. But first, he must secure his place in a Newcastle side brimming with talent.
Despite failing to land possibly the only other forward in the world able to rival Taione for pace and power - Australia's Radiki Samo - director of rugby Rob Andrew has put pen to paper with a number of talented internationals, not least Australia full-back Matthew Burke.
Up front two international skippers, Wales's Colin Charvis and Samoa's Semo Setiti, will be vying for the six and seven shirt alongside Taione, while behind the scrum the Tongan faces stiff competition from England cap Michael Stephenson and talented England Academy player, Mathew Tait.
Taione himself is hesitant when asked what his preferred position is, but admits he enjoys the space afforded to him on the wing.
 |  On the wing you have more time and space, which I feel is better suited to my running game |
"Playing in the back row gives me the opportunity to roam around the field, making big hits in defence and getting over the gain line in attack," he said. "On the wing you have more time and space, which I feel is better suited to my running game and Newcastle's all action style of play."
For Taione, the new season represents a fresh beginning, following a year dominated by tragedy and heartache.
"Last season proved to be the most difficult period of my life, with the death of my mentor (grandfather) and also my father," he said.
"They say things happen to you in three's, and when my best friend and former Falcon Soa Otuvaka passed away, it put everything into perspective.
"Their lasting memories live on with me, and I will play for each and everyone of them, with enjoyment and pride in the Newcastle jersey."
 Jonny Wilkinson will return at long last for the Falcons |
Newcastle were rewarded for winning last season's domestic Powergen Cup with a place amongst Europe's elite in the Heineken Cup. The Falcons tee off their European campaign with an autumn trip to Rodney Parade, where they will come across stern opposition in the shape of the Dragons.
"They taught us a valuable lesson in how to play clinical rugby, when we faced them last time out in the Heineken Cup," said Taione.
"They have their own jewel in the crown in Percy Montgomery, who is truly a world-class player and up front their big ball carriers Ian Gough, Michael Owen and Ross Beattie can mix it with the best of them."
But Taione, known to his colleagues as the "Express", believes the men from the north east now have vital experience in their ranks and the return of Jonny Wilkinson will help mould the Falcons into a potent attacking force.
"Players such as Colin Charvis, Semo Setiti and Matt Burke don't grow on trees and we now have a squad full of seasoned pros, who know how to play a winning brand of rugby. The Newcastle team are now an awesome combination," said Taione.
"What they will see from me this season is a force to be reckoned with, in a Falcons team that is here to win."
MMIX
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