Manly’s Martin Taupau could seek a release to Sydney Roosters
MARTY Taupau is becoming increasingly likely to quit Manly after this season and sign with the Sydney Roosters. The New Zealand Test prop feels unwanted at Manly despite being one of the best forwards in the NRL this year.
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NEW Zealand Test prop Marty Taupau is becoming increasingly likely to quit Manly after this season.
The Daily Telegraph understands the Sydney Roosters are interested in signing Taupau and he had met with Roosters chairman Nick Politis.
But Politis has denied any interest in the Sea Eagles forward, who is contracted to Manly until the end of 2020 and cannot negotiate with other clubs until the end of next year.
The Parramatta Eels have also denied they are interested in signing him after a photo emerged on social media that appeared to show Taupau in a cafe with Parramatta officials.
It is believed Taupau has been feeling unwanted at Manly since being privately shopped around to rival clubs earlier this season.
He will consider seeking a release in the next few weeks.
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Manly are likely to approve Taupau’s release, although incoming coach John Cartwright may seek a “clear-the-air” conversation.
If it is granted, it would be another crippling blow in Manly’s season from hell.
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Taupau’s back-ended deal at Manly, which expires at the end of 2020, means that he is in for a bumper payday next season, upwards of $900,000.
In regard to Parramatta, The Daily Telegraph has learnt that Taupau was meeting a friend, who is a member of Parramatta’s welfare department.
The staff member is not involved with recruitment and Parramatta claim they have no interest in the Kiwi enforcer.
Taupau, who has run for nearly 150 metres a game this year, was left angry when Manly shopped him around earlier this season without his knowledge.
At that stage, Cronulla showed considerable interest and the Roosters were also approached.
Those clubs pulled out when told Manly wanted the full amount of Taupau’s contract. It is understood the Sharks, at that point, made an offer.
By potentially offloading Taupau, a salary cap-restricted Manly would have room to move in the player market next season.
There is continued speculation the Manly playing roster is split into two groups which play together but aren’t close off the field.
According to insiders, Taupau feels “unloved” and now “does his own thing”.
Taupau’s mood didn’t improve when he started from the bench against Wests Tigers last Thursday night at Campbelltown Stadium.
Just last month, Taupau confronted rumours about his future by saying: “There are a lot of rumours getting thrown around but I hear it externally so I jump on Twitter and my name is getting thrown around left, right and centre.
“But I don’t know, I’m contracted here until 2020.
“Under contract I can’t do anything. Of course I’m here next year. You know what it’s like here.”
Taupau, who has made 85 tackle busts this season, has been chosen at prop for Manly’s match against Brisbane at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday.
Originally published as Manly’s Martin Taupau could seek a release to Sydney Roosters
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