This weekend the NRL trials got into full flow with the likes of Jackson Hastings, Oliver Gildart and Kevin Naiqama catching the eye as they all prepare for the new season having left Super League behind.
They may have moved onto pastures new unlikely to be seen in Super League for some time but one player we may see in the European competition before long has had a less than enjoyable week during the trials.
Marty Taupau – a former transfer target of the Leeds Rhinos – picked up a nasty injury as Manly Sea Eagles, one of the sides tipped for NRL glory in 2022, came up against Canberra Raiders.
The towering forward was caught awkwardly under a tackle jarring his back in the process which has subsequently ensured that he is a doubt for Manly’s opening round clash with Premiers Penrith.
The injury is certainly a blow for Taupau who will no doubt be wanting to prove his worth in 2022 having revealed this week that he’s yet to receive any others for the 2023 season despite coming off contract at the end of the campaign. This is according to Zero Tackle.
So, for Taupau 2022 may be about putting himself in the shop window or proving to the higher-ups at Manly that he should stay and this injury certainly hasn’t helped his cause.
Nonetheless, the 32-year-old is highly thought of on both sides of the planet with offers from Super League clubs certainly expected especially following the prior interest from Leeds Rhinos. Some have even speculated that Super League is his most likely destination moving forward.
Where he will end up in 2023 remains to be seen, right now the forward’s aim will be to get over this injury potentially in time for Round One having been described as “touch and go” to be fit for the opening fixture on Fox League.
