Tupou's cheeky message to rugby officials

Taniela Tupou has cheekily challenged Rugby Australia to "show me the money" as the rampaging Queensland Reds prop switches gears and begins to ponder his future.

The ultra-talented Wallabies prop admits he's yet to flick into 100 per cent rugby mode less than a fortnight out from the Super Rugby Pacific season.

But he has reason to be distracted, the Tongan product forced to wait almost a week until a 2am phone call from a random number confirmed his mother and family had survived the country's devastating volcano and tsunami disaster.

Until then he'd been distant at training and desperately concerned, given all he'd seen were photos on social media showing widespread damage across the country.

"I was awake, every night just hoping for a phone call or something and finally got it, so I went to sleep in peace," he said.

"My mum's village is fine, but my dad's island is gone, nothing there, but it could be worse."

Tupou has arranged a shipping container full of clothing, toys and basics to be sent home.

A Reds charity game raising money for UNICEF and a $500 donation to the Red Cross Pacific Tsunami Appeal for every tried scored in the first 10 Super Rugby Pacific rounds will also help the cause.

"I was going to put it up on Instagram, 'don't touch me, let me score, for my people'," Tupou grinned.

"It's so good to see the rugby community helping each other ... people are willing to help my little island country.

"You grow up with no phone, no nothing, so I'm sure some kids will appreciate some clothes, toys, books."

Tupou hasn't been home since 2019 and hopes to host his mother, who hasn't seen him play live since 2018, in Brisbane soon to give them both "something to look forward to".

"After a long season like last year