The Wests Tigers have announced Martin Taupau has been released from his contract to join the Manly Sea Eagles on a four year deal starting in 2016.
It comes after Canadian theatre critic James Kelly Nestruck was accidentally e-mailed the contract meant for Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly.
Breaking: Martin Taupau signs three-year deal with Manly–Warringah Sea Eagles, 2016 – 2019.
— J. Kelly Nestruck (@nestruck) October 29, 2015
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe made the following statement:
“While it’s disappointing for our Members and fans to see Taupau leave the Club he had made it clear that he intended on playing elsewhere from 2017 onwards. Earlier this year the Club was negotiating with Taupau to extend his stay at Wests Tigers. We put on the table what we believed was a fair offer but ultimately he has decided to continue his playing career elsewhere.
“The decision to release Taupau early not only improves the Club’s salary cap position but as a consequence will also help to secure some of the young talent already with the Club.
“The negotiations regarding releasing Taupau have been going on over the last week and our organisation has been doing everything possible to be respectful to Taupau, our Members and fans as this is a sensitive issue for all,” said Pascoe. “To see all of that work being undone and for the story to come out in this way is disappointing and almost comical.”
Taupau has also spoken out on the signing:
“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to play in a strong team alongside some of the game’s biggest names in Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Daly Cherry-Evans, Peta Hiku and Steve Matai.
“The Sea Eagles have recruited well for next season and to have the opportunity to play with Australian and Queensland prop Nate Myles, and fellow Kiwi international Lewis Brown, was an added bonus in securing my future with Manly.
“It is a fresh beginning at the Sea Eagles under new Head Coach Trent Barrett and I’m really looking forward to playing under him.
“The Sea Eagles are one of the most successful clubs in the history of rugby league and I want to be a big part in getting them back into the finals next season as they celebrate their 70th Anniversary.”
Taupau is currently in the England for the Baskerville Shield and will join the Sea Eagles for pre-season training after the Christmas/New Year break ending months of speculation as to his future.
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