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A Canadian theatre critic has sent the NRL world into chaos on Friday, claiming to have received a contract between Wests Tigers forward Martin Taupau and Manly in an email mix-up.
James Kelly Nestruck, bearing the same first initial and surname as Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly, claims the documents were sent to him in error by a British legal professional.
The emails allegedly show confirmation of Taupau’s release from the Tigers, where he was signed until the end of 2016, and the confirmation of a four-year contract at Manly.
It turns out that Nestruck was 100% spot on, with Manly confirming the news in a statement just hours later.
Full Manly Sea Eagles statement on Martin Taupau
Manly Warringah Sea Eagles have today secured arguably the best forward in rugby league with the signing of New Zealand international Martin Taupau.
In a stunning coup, 25-year-old Taupau will join the Sea Eagles from 2016 on a four-year deal in one of the club’s biggest signings since Malcolm Reilly.
“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,’’ Taupau said.
“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.”
Manly chairman Scott Penn said the signing of Taupau elevated the Sea Eagles chances of returning quickly to one of the top teams in the NRL.
“Most would agree that Martin Taupau is one of the most dominant forwards in the game,’’ Penn said.
“He is young and experienced. His signing is a tribute to our off field team who have done a magnificent job in securing his services.
“Head coach Trent Barrett has been across negotiations and played an important role as did Football consultant Bob Fulton.
“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.”
Manly Warringah Head Coach Trent Barrett welcomed the announcement of Taupau’s signing.
“Marty is a very damaging and aggressive forward who can certainly win you a game,’’ Barrett said.
“He has really come on over the past 12 months and I am looking forward to developing his game. We are still yet to see the very best of Marty and it is great that he will have the opportunity to take his skills to another level at the Sea Eagles.”
Breaking: Martin Taupau signs three-year deal with Manly–Warringah Sea Eagles, 2016 – 2019.
— J. Kelly Nestruck (@nestruck) October 29, 2015
After this tweet, Nestruck was then grilled by regular Roar reader Will Sinclair, who had all the big questions for the comedian-cum-rugby league scooper.
@sinclair_will I don't know! I'm a theatre critic. Theatre seasons here usually go, for example, fall 2016 to spring 2017.
— J. Kelly Nestruck (@nestruck) October 29, 2015
Just last week, Taupau hosed down rumours after being consistently linked to the Sea Eagles, with Manly desperately chasing forwards and the Wests Tigers trying to ease their current salary cap situation.
The emails appear to confirm the unsettled Taupau’s release from the Tigers, where he was signed until the end of 2016, and a four-year deal struck with Manly.
Taupau’s player agent Darryl Mather, described news of Nestruck’s revelation as “extraordinarily frustrating”, but he was leaving further comment to the two clubs.
“I’ll allow both the Wests Tigers and Martin Taupau to make any official comment they might want to make on this matter,” Mather told AAP.
“I’ll be guided by Phil Moss (Tigers football manager) and the Wests Tigers on the matter.”
Both clubs declined to comment, saying they were looking ino the matter.
He said he was contracted to the Tigers for another year, but this new evidence would appear to show he’s off to the Sea Eagles in 2016.
Anyone cover the New Zealand rugby league and want the contract of a player called Martin Taupau that was just emailed to me by accident?
— J. Kelly Nestruck (@nestruck) October 29, 2015
The 25-year-old is in the UK touring with the New Zealand side who face England in Hull on Sunday.
Apparently, a guy named Joe Kelly is the CEO of the Manly-Warringah Sea Eagles rugby team… and I get his emails. https://t.co/PWwJrj6ISj
— J. Kelly Nestruck (@nestruck) October 29, 2015
There has been no official word from either club yet.
With AAP
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