Clubs Marty Taupau could Help

Martin Taupau (32) remains without a club for 2023 and with the likelihood of the 200 gamer re-signing with the Sea Eagles dwindles we have taken a look at which clubs could use his power through the middle in upcoming season.

Many have pointed to his age as a factor in the of the Samoan internationals decrease in output this year but the stats but the 47 metre (150 in 2021 to 103 in 2022) and 4 tackle (25.8 in 2021 to 21.2 jn 2022) a game drop off from his 2021 season that saw Manly make the preliminary finals can be largely attributed to the 14 minutes per game (48.3 in 2021 to 34.8 in 2022) drop-off that has seen his role from a forward leader shift to an impact player off the bench. The stat will tell you that his metres per minute has decreased by slightly more than 0.1 metres per minutes- a slight decrease that is made up by the fact his post contact metres, tries and tackles per minute have increased with his tackle breaking ability remaining constant at 0.04 per minute in both the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

Furthermore his tackle efficiency has increased from 95.17% in 2021 to an equally impressive 95.2% in 2022 putting him once again in the top tier of defensive forwards accomplishing a tackle efficiency greater than 95% for the fourth consecutive season. There's no questioning this elite output could be put to good use for these following teams in 2023:

Brisbane Broncos

The Broncos are renowned for having one of the best young forward packs in the competition, the signing of Martin Taupau on a short term contract could not only help further develop the likes of Payne Haas, Patrick Carrigan, Thomas Fleggler mad Xavier Willison but the extra punch through the middle could push them one step closer to a premiership trophy.

Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs

Returning to the club where Martin Taupau first made his debut as a 20 year old in 2010 could be an enticing option for both 'Marty' and the Bulldogs club who could use some further help in the middle with the departure of Paul Vaughn, Jack Hetherington and question marks surrounding the future of English star Luke Thompson. Injecting the 27 time international into a forward pack with Tevita Pangai Jnr and Viliame Kikau could be exactly what Matt Burton and Reed Mahoney need to lead the Bulldogs to the finals for the first time since 2016.

Gold Coast Titans

Having already lost Jarrod Wallace to the newly formed Dolphins in 2023, young captain Tino Fa'asuamaleaui could be leaned on more than ever in 2023 unless the Titans can add a middle forward to join the aforementioned skipper alongside the likes of Moeaika Fotuaika, Issac Liu, Sam Lisone and Herman Ese'Ese for the upcoming season. Signing Martin Taupau would see both him and current teammate Kieran Foran add a desperately needed 467 NRL games worth of experience to a young Gold Coast squad.

Melbourne Storm

The Dolphins and other NRL rivals have decimated the Melbourne pack heading into 2023. Signing Martin Taupau could be a much needed step towards replacing Felise Kafusi, Brandon Smith and the Bromwich Brothers as they look to continue to compete for premiership glory- something that might entice Martin Taupau as his window to secure his first NRL premiership approached the end. Craig Bellamy getting his hands on player like Martin Tauapu could spell great rewards for both the player and the club.

Sydney Roosters

The departure of damaging forward Siosiua Taukeiaho will see veteran Jared Waerea-Hargreaves, Lindsay Collins and potentially off contract Matt Lodge shoulder the load for the Roosters who, with Brandon Smith arriving in 2023, will see anything but a premiership as a failure for the upcoming season. Whilst slightly older, signing Martin Taupau could be viewed as a like for like replacement for Taukeiaho whose output off the bench will be sorely missed in 2023.

Who would benefit most from Marty Taupau?

• Broncos
• Bulldogs
• Titans
• Storm

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