New South Wales Waratahs’ decision to bench Timana Tahu for nearly half the Super 14 season helped trigger the get-out clause in his contract.

Reasons behind Tahu’s impending return to Parramatta began to emerge as the runaway Waratah finally sat down with ARU officials on Friday night at St Leonards to ask for a release.

Tahu and his lawyer met with ARU High Performance boss David Nucifora and a NSW Rugby counterpart Scott Bowen for an hour-long meeting, where “amicable” talks were held about with the 28-year-old.

Sources with knowledge of the Tahu’s four-year contract – signed in 2007 – have revealed a range of milestones and incentives were inserted into the second year, and if not reached either Tahu or the ARU could revisit the last two years.

These milestones are believed to include a certain number of starting appearances for NSW, and a handful of Australia selections in the inbound series and Tri-Nations.

Tahu started in seven of 13 matches for the Waratahs and has yet to play a Test – although Wallabies coach Robbie Deans was set to start Tahu against Italy on June 20 but did not following his withdrawal from club rugby a week earlier with injury.

Given there are five Tri-Nations Tests remaining, Tahu’s argument to prematurely enact his get-out clause appears to centre on his Super 14 game time and no involvement in the June inbound series.

Tahu began the Tahs’ season starting in the first two matches, but was benched for the next two before returning for NSW’s loss to the Brumbies. He was then benched for the Waratahs next four games before finally returning to the starting team against Western Force.

He then starred at No.13 on NSW’s South African tour, and from the mix-and-match season was later awarded the Waratahs’ best back.

The Waratahs this week defended their use of Tahu, saying a lingering injury and form considerations were behind the inconsistent selections of the centre. There’s little doubt Tahu’s form was up and down, but whether a lack of continuity contributed will remain unknown.

Tahu is currently battling a hand injury, but his potential to still play the required amount of Tests this winter – believed to be three – means he has jumped the gun on asking for a release.

But all signals point to the ARU having no issue with letting the $400,000-a-year convert off the hook.

That much was clear last night when an ARU release stressed: “ARU wishes to make it clear today’s discussions have taken place in an environment of goodwill from both parties.”

It added a “quick resolution” will be sought, whereupon Tahu’s return to Parramatta will no doubt be finalised.