Marty Taupau filthy at suggestion Manly were pushing him to Sydney Roosters
Marty Taupau has never had any intention of leaving Manly, which is why the Sea Eagles enforcer took speculation that he was being pushed to the Sydney Roosters personally.
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Manly enforcer Marty Taupau claimed he felt like a “zoo animal” when secretly shopped around by the Sea Eagles last year.
While under contract last season at Brookvale, speculation increased that Taupau would be pushed from Manly mid-contract to the Sydney Roosters.
Taupau said this week he had no intention of leaving Manly and was angry at the suggestions.
The Kiwi front-rower comes off contract after next season but is a free agent to negotiate with rival clubs from November 1.
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Pressed on whether he had a desire to re-sign with Manly, Taupau said: “One hundred per cent. It’s the same thing with what happened last year when I was showcased around like a zoo animal, when I wasn’t going anywhere.
“There is a huge desire to stay here at Manly.”
Settled and in career-best form under new coach Des Hasler, Taupau took a swipe at social media posts stating he wanted to leave Manly last year.
“The zoo animal is me, let’s clarify that…and the patrons were on social media,” he said.
“Ideally in a perfect world (he would re-sign before November 1) but I don’t know.
“You (the media) just brought it up. I haven’t thought about it because I’m not going anywhere.
“It’s still a couple of months away but I’m not going anywhere. I know you’ll quote me on that.
“I’m not really thinking anything. You just brought it up then so I can’t really form an opinion in five seconds. I’ll just do my footy and enjoy life.”
Sources close to Manly suggested Taupau was shopped around last year. It wasn’t Taupau or his management who wanted an early release, more Manly’s coaching staff.
Insiders claimed it may have been a member of then coach Trent Barrett’s coaching staff that had made contact with rivals clubs.
Taupau now appears to be “rock solid” at Manly now under Hasler.
There is a strong feel that the ever-loyal Hasler will want to resign Taupau for another two to three years.
One well-placed source said: “I know there was some consternation last year but I don’t think there is any under Des’ watch.
“The club was shopping him around last year. It wasn’t coming from Marty. I think you’ll find it was someone from Trent’s staff.”
Taupau and fellow prop Addin Fonua-Blake have been exceptional this season. In fact, many believe they have been the form props of this season’s NRL competition.
Originally published as Marty Taupau filthy at suggestion Manly were pushing him to Sydney Roosters