“Everything happens for a reason”: Marty Taupau’s road to redemption

Sacked Broncos forward Marty Taupau has opened up on the split-seceond decision which has left his NRL career in tatters.

Martin Taupau was sacked by the Broncos in May. Picture: Russell Freeman/Getty Images

He admits his shock axing from the Brisbane Broncos was like “a punch in the face”, but veteran NRL forward Martin Taupau insists he’s far from down for the count.

The 35-year-old was sacked in May after liking a social media post critical of coach Michael Maguire, the aftermath of which he describes as “a really difficult road” that forced him to reassess, refocus and find strength beyond the footy field.

“It was a punch in the face for sure,” Taupau said.

“You just have to take a couple of deep breaths and say, ‘OK, this is what’s happened, let’s work on what is front of us and what is in our control’. That’s where the growth comes from … Everything happens for a reason.”

Former Bronco Martin Taupau with his wife Michelle hosted an intimate launch party for Not Stationary in collaboration with Affinity Diamonds. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Taupau admitted the weeks that followed were “a rollercoaster”, but with reflection came peace.

“I feel like I’ve had closure,” he said.

That growth, he revealed, reshaped more than just his mindset — it strengthened the bond he shares with wife Michelle.

“Despite what happened, our relationship, our marriage, and our business relationship has grown stronger,” he said.

“It has opened conversations between us two on what could happen, what may have happened, in hindsight of all that sort of stuff.”

Michelle agreed. “We’ve learned how to navigate challenges really well. Sometimes you don’t expect the way things happen, but you trust that when one door closes, another one opens. We’ve been through a lot together, and this has only deepened that.”

Former Bronco Martin Taupau with his wife Michelle. Picture: Lyndon Mechielsen/Courier Mail

Since his Broncos departure, Taupau has kept busy.

This week, he and Michelle hosted an intimate launch party for Not Stationary, their premium stationery brand best known for its performance planners and journals.

The event — held in collaboration with Affinity Diamonds — drew more than 50 Brisbane VIPs, including former Broncos teammates and their families, to celebrate the release of their new “conversation cards” designed to foster deeper connections.

“These cards are about tiny moments that have a big impact — creating deeper relationships and deeper connections with people, one question at a time,” Michelle said.

“My husband went through a tiny moment that had a big impact.

“And after what we’ve been through, this felt like the right way to launch a new chapter.”

Not Stationary products. Photo: notstationary.com

For Taupau, that chapter doesn’t mean leaving rugby league behind. The veteran forward is hopeful of joining another NRL team before the June 30 mid-season transfer deadline — the final date clubs can register new signings or make late roster changes for the rest of the year.

“I’m definitely not retiring,” he said.

“I’m just still sticking to the training regime that I’ve put myself through, like being with the Broncos. It’s all about routine and consistency.

“We’re hopeful something will come up, If it doesn’t happen, then we reset. It’s another redirection.”

Taupau is also determined to use his experience to help others, revealing plans to take a program into schools about social media responsibility and the power of small actions.

“It’s all about awareness, being self-aware of the impact that you have, whether it’s a like, or saying something so minuscule to someone, that could have a huge impact on someone else’s life,” he said.

While future footy moves remain uncertain, Brisbane is home — for now.

“We love it here,” Michelle said. “Unless an NRL opportunity takes us elsewhere, we’re not going anywhere. We came for nine months and we’ve been here nearly three years.”

Through it all, Taupau has felt the strength of connections built both on and off the field. Surrounded by former teammates and their families at Wednesday’s launch, he spoke openly about the support that’s kept him going.

“We’ve built some really, really strong connections in Brisbane,” he said.

“We have our new little family, not only with the players, but with the players families, everyone, and we absolutely love it, and the support that they’ve shown us, and the business.”

Originally published as “Everything happens for a reason”: Marty Taupau’s road to redemption