Boom Wests Tigers forward Martin Taupau has reportedly asked for an early release from the final year of his contract.
Taupau was one of the Tigers’ strongest players in a dismal campaign this season.
Wests have already suffered the losses of players such as Pat Richards, Keith Galloway and probably Robbie Farah in a tumultuous end to 2015.
In the middle of what is supposed to be the club’s rebuilding phase, they are losing their best.
According to Fox Sports, South Sydney and the Gold Coast are the front-runners for the big man’s signature.
The strength of Taupau has been his aggressiveness and powerful running, not to mention his neat offloads.
Taupau has been rewarded for his style of play with representative honours, the 25-year-old having played a total of six Tests for New Zealand following his debut last year.
It is clear the Tigers’ salary cap problems are hitting them hard. Obviously the Farah saga has highlighted the problem, and fixing it involves removing high-earning players from the club’s books.
Tigers chairwoman Marina Go earlier this year said the club’s salary cup troubles would take three years to sort out. During this time they will be relying on a young and inexperienced spine to lead them around the park.
The Tigers desperately need strong forwards like Taupau at the club to allow their young halves to play off forward momentum.
At this stage it looks like young Manaia Cherrington will be taking the reins at hooker, and he needs strong options to pass to. Likewise, Luke Brooks and Mitchell Moses will find it a lot easier when the forwards have done their job well. Although they have bucketloads of talent, they need a platform to provide the space to fully express themselves.
The scintillating James Tedesco would love to continue playing off Taupau’s edges, finding open space in the middle of the field around tired defenders.
As a Tigers fan I would really, really love big ‘Marty Kapow’ to stay at the club and help the Tigers get back to the top. But is the club in any position to keep him?
The Tigers needs the money and though it’s said, if Taupau doesn’t want to stay, it is best to let him go.
Pete75
Roar Rookie
A couple of things there: 1) The Tigers, as bad a season as they had, didn't come last. 2) They were only one game behind four teams who ended up on 22 points. Who are you going to replace them with? Wentworthville? Again, they had a pretty abysmal season, but two or three results go their way and they are pushing for a finals spot or playing in them. It's hardly a massive gulf that you're making out. If you continue to cut cellar dwellars you'll end up with a two team comp.
up in the north
Roar Rookie
If ever there was an example for the relegation of a club, this is it. Three years to get their stuff sorted? Let them get sorted in their own time and let another club use the license. They've proven that they were inept in the past and they are dealing with this now. But by being in the NRL as a weakling only dilutes the competition overall.
Akari
Roar Rookie
West Tigers are now a basket case and Martin Taupau should look after numero uno and get out before the coach and management destroy his career as they have now done to Farah. On current form, WT are wooden spoon bound over the next 3 years at least. Marina Go Go Go away and take Jason Taylor with you.
Hosea
Roar Pro
Maybe, but I think the Tigers would love to him stay at the club. He is a NZ representative and there are more than a few other clubs that would love him on their books. It is understandable if Taupau wanted to leave the Tigers though, we did come 15th this season.
pat malone
Guest
he is really inconsistent and goes missing for weeks at a time, maybe its wests trying to move him on