Leeds Rhinos linked with NRL powerhouse signing for 2025

Leeds Rhinos have once again been linked with a move for NRL forward Marty Taupau with the forward out of contract at the end of the season.

Taupau has been linked with a move to Super League for the best part of a decade it seems, with Leeds Rhinos often reported as the destination.

However, circumstances seem to make this link more legitimate than in previous years with the 34-year-old’s contract at Brisbane Broncos set to run out and plenty of talk down under that he would be willing to finally make a Super League switch.

It was reported back in June that Taupau wouldn’t be offered a new deal which sparked further speculation and that was elevated last night by Sky Sports’ Jon Wells, who also happened to name Leeds Rhinos as a possible destination.

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Could Marty Taupau finally sign for Leeds Rhinos?

Speaking in the build-up to the clash between St Helens and Salford Red Devils, Wells revealed that Taupau is speaking with Super League clubs about his future.

“Could Brisbane forward Marty Taupau be on his way to Super League next year? I understand he is talking to Super League clubs,” the pundit revealed.

He then stoked the fire further by naming Leeds Rhinos as a potential destination for the forward, noting: “Could he become a Rhino next year?”

It would finally bring an end to the almost-yearly links and as referenced above, now is probably the time that it will happen if it ever does.

Taupau is 34 and out of contract making a move very feasible, however, his salary could be a stopping point. Per the reports in June that Taupau would not be re-signed by Brisbane, it was revealed that he earned $350,000 a year.

That equates to around £180,000, marquee player money in Super League. Whether Leeds Rhinos can afford to pay that or are willing to pay that for an ageing forward, when they already have Brodie Croft on marquee money, is another question.