Experienced prop Martin Taupau has committed to the Brisbane Broncos until the end of 2023.
The 32-year-old with 222 NRL games and 33 Tests for New Zealand and Samoa to his name provides valuable depth to the club’s middle forward stocks.
Broncos Coach Kevin Walters said: “Marty has been playing in the NRL since 2010 so he brings good experience and he was very impressive when we spoke to him on the values he brings to our club.
“We have a lot of good young middle forwards here at the Broncos and we believe the experience that Marty brings will help them grow and be better players for us as well.
“He has a real presence about him and I think that will really add to the group and what we are building here at the club both on and off the field.”
He has been linked with a move to Super League in the past with Leeds Rhinos being seen as potential suitors a few years ago.
However, this time around, at first at least, a move to Super League seemed unlikely with five NRL clubs leading the chase for his signature.
That said, the struggles between the NRL and RLPA (Players Association) ensured that the CBA negotiations were slow and that salary cap was left undecided.
This opened the door for Super League clubs who began sniffing around hoping to exploit the situation with the likes of Leigh Leopards and Catalans Dragons interested as they both remain in the market for a prop.
Even when the cap was decided upon, Super League clubs still had a strong chance of signing the prop due to the fact that the RLPA warned player to avoid signing new deals as the NRL had not confirmed the new cap with them and by extension had not given them the full details.
However, Leigh and Catalans both appear to have missed out on the prop with reports from down under saying that Brisbane Broncos have signed the prop for 2023 beating Parramatta Eels and South Sydney Rabbitohs to his signature.
Leigh have been linked with Jared Waerea-Hargreaves after owner Derek Beaumont said it was “the plan” to make further signings.
The Dragons were also linked with JWH after the release of Dylan Napa. Now it is beginning to become concerning for the Dragons as prop options become less so.
