Following a chaotic morning that Wests Tigers chief Justin Pascoe described as nearly comical, the Tigers and Manly were forced to confirm Martin Taupau had been released from the final year of his contract at Concord to sign a four-year deal with the Sea Eagles. “Thanks for all the interest, but I’m done playing at Kiwileaks now – and am off to review a play”.
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Taupau has a year left to run on his contract with the Tigers, but reportedly asked for a release from the club in September.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to play in a strong team alongside a few of the game’s biggest names in Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Daly Cherry-Evans, Peta Hiku and Steve Matai”, Taupau said.
Taupau had been under contract with the Tigers through 2016 but they needed to create a few space on the salary cap, according to the Australian Associated Press.
But Taupau will now be replaced by a teammate “so he can concentrate on his preparations”, according to team officials.
“He has really come on over the past 12 months and I am looking forward to developing his game”.
Manly chairman Scott Penn was quoted in the statement as saying that Mr Taupau is “young and experienced”.
Head Coach Trent Barrett, meanwhile, said that “Marty” was a “damaging and aggressive forward who can certainly win you a game”. Hooker Manaia Cherrington, a member of the New Zealand squad in England for a three-Test series starting this weekend in Hull, is also off contract at the end of next season, along with forwards Jack Buchanan and Sauaso Sue.
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“Our 2016 Membership campaign has already seen a significant increase on last year and Martin’s signing is sure to give our Members further confidence about the year ahead”.
