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.”
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.
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.
The 25-year-old is in the UK touring with the New Zealand side who face England in Hull on Sunday.
There has been no official word from either club yet.
With AAP
Doug Wakeling
Guest
I have followed Manly since the beginning 1947 Go Manly.
Mark Young
Roar Guru
Yeah! The Battle for the Canucks isn't over AFL! You may have a former Canadian Rugby player playing your game. But we have a Canadian Theater critic breaking our stories! Your move Gillon.......
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Especially when he's gonna be playing 5/8. Coach's not included in the NRL salary cap! Manly front desk hitting back after a rough couple of years.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
no need for a logo then? Please don't answer that!!!
ROTUMA ISLAND
Guest
true that piece got a lot of ABs fans on my FB feed very upset until I pointed out to them it's all fake.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Ha - I've read something similar before Will, can't think where... What round will the 'Cowboys to go undefeated' calls will start?
ferret
Guest
I thought Manly's forwards were their weakness this year and next as well. But given these recent signings they've gone a long way to rectify the problems. Only 2 remaining questions about Manly in 2016 - (1) Can Barrett coach (especially given he'll be under the pump from Rd 1)? (2) How do you replace Kieran Foran?
no one in particular
Roar Guru
haven't got a coach though
Joe
Roar Rookie
Another good signing by Manly. They are definitely filling in the holes that were there from last year, especially in the forwards department. The signing of the Jets hooker Parcell, Lewis Brown, Koroisau, Myles and now Taupau will add to their forward pack. They will also need to fill the sizeable hole that Foran left in the halves but I think DCE will be stepping up a lot more next year to ease whoever takes the 6 into the role. I think they will definitely be back in the 8 next year.
eagleJack
Roar Guru
Yep, exciting news heading into an exciting w/end!!
maximillian
Guest
I thought Manly would be in a "rebuilding" phase for a few years but with the recent signings I wouldn't be surprised if they are straight back in the 8 again next year.
Chui
Guest
The word is News Limited and Channel Nein are in a bidding war for him to take the place of Weidler, Hooper or Rothfield.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
The only team you can put a line through with any certainty for the 2016 Premiership is the North Queensland Cowboys.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
The comedy factor here was only increased by an e-mail from the Tigers to Members this morning "announcing" they had let Tapau out of his contract a year early. Yeah, thanks for that Lois Lane.
Will Sinclair
Roar Guru
It's sad, but I'm not even angry at Marty for jumping ship. If I was a good young player, I'd be getting the hell out of this shambles of a club too.
Chui
Guest
Cowboy relevance deprivation sure sets in early.
Kingcowboy
Guest
Marty is a very good player but no way Manly make the top 4 next year. Cows still should be favs to go back to back!!!!
The Barry
Roar Guru
I was only mucking around boys. He's a very good player but arguably the best forward in rugby league is way overs. I haven't heard anyone arguing that. Despite the comments being over the top I think he's a cracking signing for Manly.
Jason Hosken
Guest
I hear your concerns TB. He's yet to demonstrate his best over a full season. Still, a massive pick up for Manly.
Jason Hosken
Guest
You were on to it yesterday EJ. Stunning news, mate. Just made being a fair-weather Wallaby all the more fun!!!