Wests Tigers Marty Taupau to attempt to break 500m rowing world record

TIGERS enforcer Marty Taupau is widely regarded as the strongest man going in rugby league, and the big fella is eyeing off a world record to prove it.

Tigers' Martin Taupau in action during NRL match Wests Tigers v Parramatta Eels at ANZ Stadium. picture. Phil Hillyard

TIGERS enforcer Marty Taupau is widely regarded as the strongest man going in rugby league, and the big fella is eyeing off a world record to prove it.

Taupau will attempt to break the world record for the 500-metre row on an ergometer on Channel Nine’s The Footy Show next Thursday night.

The current record stands at one minute and 10 seconds and was clocked by fitness equipment distributor Leo Young back in 1991.

Earlier this year Taupau pumped out a massive 420 metres in a one-minute challenge, and now has Young’s 24-year-old mark in his sights.

“I saw Marty’s results from the shows 1min rowing challenge,” Young said.

“I’m really excited to see whether he gets close to breaking my record. It’s been 24 years so I’d say it’s about time.”

Twenty-five year-old Taupau has already set tongue’s wagging in the NRL with his powerful showings on the field and his impressive efforts in the gym — which include dead lifts of up to 310kg and powercleans of 140kg.

Originally published as Wests Tigers Marty Taupau to attempt to break 500m rowing world record