http://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/wests-tigers-talk-extending-in-demand-lock-marty-taupaus-contract-nrl-market-watch/story-fn2mcuj6-1227507912606
Nathan Ryan FOX SPORTS September 02, 2015 6:00AM
**TIGERS MOVE ON MARTY**
WESTS Tigers have begun discussions with in-demand lock Marty Taupau to extend his contract beyond next year.
Despite still having another season to run on his current deal, the Tigers are aware of growing interest in the New Zealand international.
To make matters even more pressing, six weeks ago Taupau exclusively revealed to foxsports.com.au his desire to follow Jarryd Hayne’s career path from the NRL to NFL by participating in a combine.
Stand-in CEO Phil Moss began talks with Taupau’s manager last month in a move to tie the 25-year-old to Concord long term.
“Marty’s here next year and we’ve had discussions with his management about extending his time with the Wests Tigers,” Moss told foxsports.com.au.
One club linked to Taupau is the Warriors.
Speculation was rife only a few weeks ago that the club was set to strike, prompting Warriors
CEO Jim Doyle to phone the club and assure them this was not the case.
“Obviously we’d like to have someone like Marty in our team but we haven’t had any discussions with him,” Jim Doyle said.
“He’s contracted next year. I have no idea where all this has come from. We’ve not spoken to Marty Taupau or his management.
“We’ve still got a few spots to fill for next year but nothing at that level of Marty Taupau.
“Were still in the process of finalising our roster for 2016, but due to the salary cap we’re looking more at that bottom end of the top 25.”
With Robbie Farah’s future at the club in limbo, Tigers utility Dene Halatau is yet to have his future resolved.
The club is in talks with his management, with both parties hopeful a deal can be brokered.
“I’m in a bit of a unique situation myself where I’m unsigned and there’s two weeks to go in the season,” Halatau said.
“I’m still in limbo at the moment. With terms of having something signed and ready to go next year.
“I’ve had some positive chats with the club, but we’re working through that process at the moment and my fingers are crossed that I’ll still be playing next year.”
Nathan Ryan FOX SPORTS September 02, 2015 6:00AM
**TIGERS MOVE ON MARTY**
WESTS Tigers have begun discussions with in-demand lock Marty Taupau to extend his contract beyond next year.
Despite still having another season to run on his current deal, the Tigers are aware of growing interest in the New Zealand international.
To make matters even more pressing, six weeks ago Taupau exclusively revealed to foxsports.com.au his desire to follow Jarryd Hayne’s career path from the NRL to NFL by participating in a combine.
Stand-in CEO Phil Moss began talks with Taupau’s manager last month in a move to tie the 25-year-old to Concord long term.
“Marty’s here next year and we’ve had discussions with his management about extending his time with the Wests Tigers,” Moss told foxsports.com.au.
One club linked to Taupau is the Warriors.
Speculation was rife only a few weeks ago that the club was set to strike, prompting Warriors
CEO Jim Doyle to phone the club and assure them this was not the case.
“Obviously we’d like to have someone like Marty in our team but we haven’t had any discussions with him,” Jim Doyle said.
“He’s contracted next year. I have no idea where all this has come from. We’ve not spoken to Marty Taupau or his management.
“We’ve still got a few spots to fill for next year but nothing at that level of Marty Taupau.
“Were still in the process of finalising our roster for 2016, but due to the salary cap we’re looking more at that bottom end of the top 25.”
With Robbie Farah’s future at the club in limbo, Tigers utility Dene Halatau is yet to have his future resolved.
The club is in talks with his management, with both parties hopeful a deal can be brokered.
“I’m in a bit of a unique situation myself where I’m unsigned and there’s two weeks to go in the season,” Halatau said.
“I’m still in limbo at the moment. With terms of having something signed and ready to go next year.
“I’ve had some positive chats with the club, but we’re working through that process at the moment and my fingers are crossed that I’ll still be playing next year.”
