Wests Tigers backrower Marty Taupau considers $1.1m contract extension

Will Marty Taupau return to West Tigers next year? The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the backrower has knocked back a $1.1 million two-year extension.

**NOT FOR USE UNTIL SUPERHERO ROUND 21** Photo shoots of NRL Superhero Campaign for round 21. - THE Wests Tigers Martin Taupau. pic. Phil Hillyard

WESTS Tigers enforcer Marty Taupau set a new deadlift personal best last week of 310kg, which is the equivalent of two 750 litre fridges.

While the Kiwi hardman continues to take his powerlifting training techniques into new territory, what is not so clear is Taupau’s continued position at the Wests Tigers.

Officially, Taupau has one year to run on his current Wests Tigers contract but The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the backrower recently knocked back a $1.1 million two-year extension.

The development has sparked debate amongst rival clubs about whether the Kiwi enforcer could be looking at an early departure from the Tigers.

Aside from his powerlifting focus, Taupau has actively talked up a possible switch to the NFL.

Expected to be a member of the Kiwi Test touring squad to England after the NRL grand final, Taupau could command upwards of $650,000-a-season on the open market.

The Wests Tigers have denied the Kiwi international asked for a release earlier this month but the indication is Taupau will make a call on his future early next year.

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Tapau was reluctant to make any comment on his future when contacted by The Sunday Telegraph but the smart money is on the Tigers facing a fight to retain him beyond next year.

There is no suggestion of any issues with the Tigers coaching staff or a personality clash like the Robbie Farah situation, but by knocking back the Wests extension the early warning signs have sounded.

Taupau’s agent Darryl Mather said he expected strong interest in Tapau, who also played rugby union as a junior.

“Despite the massive speculation around Marty and his own declared interest in looking at the NFL into the future, it is SFX policy not to discuss player contract matters publicly,” Mather said.

“Suffice to say, Marty is still contracted to the Wests Tigers for 2016.”

Originally published as Wests Tigers backrower Marty Taupau considers $1.1m contract extension