Super League clubs given huge boost in pursuit of two NRL stars

Super League clubs have been given a huge boost in their pursuit of two NRL stars among others.

When the NRL salary cap remained undecided, it seemed that Super League clubs could feasibly make a move for two top NRL stars.

Marty Taupau had yet to sign a new deal following his exit from Manly Sea Eagles. The former Leeds Rhinos target even starred in the Rugby League World Cup Final for Samoa against Australia and had five NRL clubs chasing him including Parramatta Eels.

However, with the salary cap undecided, it left his future uncertain and Super League clubs were monitoring the situation hoping to swoop in and seal a move for the forward with Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons both looking for a prop and Salford Red Devils with a quota spot free after the departure of former Warrington Wolves man Sitaleki Akauola.

Equally, the same situation kept former Penrith Panthers and South Sydney Rabbitohs winger Josh Mansour from signing for a new club. The Lebanon winger also confirmed he would be open to playing in Super League and with Leigh and Catalans both interested in outside backs, with the Dragons recently missing out on Featherstone Rovers centre Joey Leilua, this was again a huge opportunity for Super League clubs to offer two stars security when the NRL could not.

However, when the NRL confirmed that the salary cap would increase it seemed that any hopes of seeing Taupau and Mansour in Super League had gone, but now the door has been opened again with the Players Association (RLPA) telling players to not sign new deals due to the fact the NRL went ahead with this increase before completing the negotiations and without confirming further details.

This again means that Super League clubs could swoop in and offer security where there is none.