One club rules themselves out of race for former reported Leeds Rhinos target

Marty Taupau is one of the biggest free agents in the game at present and yet he like others has been left in limbo.

The former Manly Sea Eagles forward has shone for the club over the last few years and has been chased by NRL Grand Finalists Parramatta Eels in recent weeks.

However, the uncertainty around the salary cap in the NRL with ex-Hull KR man key as president of the Players Association (RLPA) has delayed any move.

Now, according to the Sydney Morning Herald, five clubs care chasing the prop.

None of these are Super League clubs despite the fact he has been chased by them in the past with him reportedly linked with Leeds Rhinos in the past.

It has been a frustrating time for him.

“It’s been a really frustrating and stressful time,” Taupau told The Herald.

“It’s now a waiting game, not at our end, but with all the negotiations happening with the NRL and RLPA.”

Now though one club has ruled themselves out of the race for his signature.

This comes as Canterbury Bulldogs Chief Phil Gould said on Twitter:

“It [a move for Taupau] has never been discussed. He’s a great player. However, we have made other positions a higher priority at this stage.”

It’s never been discussed. He’s a great player. However, we have made other positions a higher priority at this stage. https://t.co/NBIvcypUdI

— Phil Gould (@PhilGould15) December 12, 2022