liltiger
Well-known member
Auckland-born Samoan international prop Martin Taupau has signed a three-year deal with the Wests Tigers after acknowledging his opportunities at his current NRL club are limited.
The 23-year-old played the first seven games of the Bulldogs 2013 campaign but has not featured since Kiwis front rower Sam Kasiano and English enforcer James Graham returned from injury and suspension respectively.
Taupau debuted for the Bulldogs in 2010 and has played only 17 games over 3-1/2 seasons, meaning a cross town move to the Wests Tigers next year is appealing.
The 111kg forward represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2008 and is also a former Junior Kiwis captain.
"Martin is a powerful player who will add plenty of size and strength and depth to the important front row position,'' said Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter.
Taupau made his test debut in April against Tonga – a preparation game for October's World Cup in Europe.
He was contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2014 but the club granted him an early release so he can join the Wests Tigers in November for pre-season training.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/8766469/Auckland-born-Taupau-signs-with-Wests-Tigers
The 23-year-old played the first seven games of the Bulldogs 2013 campaign but has not featured since Kiwis front rower Sam Kasiano and English enforcer James Graham returned from injury and suspension respectively.
Taupau debuted for the Bulldogs in 2010 and has played only 17 games over 3-1/2 seasons, meaning a cross town move to the Wests Tigers next year is appealing.
The 111kg forward represented the Australian Schoolboys in 2008 and is also a former Junior Kiwis captain.
"Martin is a powerful player who will add plenty of size and strength and depth to the important front row position,'' said Wests Tigers coach Mick Potter.
Taupau made his test debut in April against Tonga – a preparation game for October's World Cup in Europe.
He was contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2014 but the club granted him an early release so he can join the Wests Tigers in November for pre-season training.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/league/8766469/Auckland-born-Taupau-signs-with-Wests-Tigers