Heavily-linked forward backed for Super League success after NRL release

After what feels like years of speculation, long-time Super League target Martin Taupau could finally be on his way to the European competition.

The 35-year-old Samoan international was sacked by the Brisbane Broncos earlier this week after he liked an Instagram post criticising and questioning Broncos boss Michael Maguire’s tactics.

This proved to be the final straw on what has been an underwhelming career move for Taupau.

Now without a club, he has been tipped to finally make a long-awaited move to the UK competition, after years of off-season rumours that never came to fruition.

The move is being tipped by former Catalans and Wakefield player Justin Horo, who mentioned the idea on The Bloke in A Bar podcast, hosted by former NRL player Denan Kemp.

Horo said the decision to sack him over such a small incident does not reflect well and shows a disconnect in the Broncos set up between players and coaches.

“It’s just not a great look regardless,” the former Wakefield Trinity man explained.

“You’re trying to build something up there at Brisbane… it’s only a like, but it’s undermining what the coach is trying to change.”

Could Marty Taupau “kill it” in Super League?

The decision has also sparked some confusion given that Brisbane stars Reece Walsh and Ezra Mam have both been involved in more serious controversies of late than just a social media like.

Horo described what a huge boost a team could get should they bring a player like Taupau in, suggesting Super League as a possible destination.

“There’s clubs over there that would really benefit from a guy like Marty — he brings leadership, toughness, and a wealth of experience.

“He probably wasn’t enjoying his time at the Broncos and was looking for a way out. Now he’ll get a settlement — maybe 50% of his contract, maybe just under — and he can go make a move potentially to Super League or find another club,”

To that, host Kemp argued: “He’d kill it in the Super League.”

Of course, signing Taupau would take up a quota spot, which only two clubs have available. Wigan Warriors have a free spot, but their salary cap is almost full and given the strength of their pack he is unlikely to sign for the reigning champions.

The other club is Salford, who have their own financial issues.