I did what was best for my family: Taupau
BRONCOS hit-man Marty Taupau has addressed speculation he backflipped on a move to Parramatta and revealed why he jumped at a career lifeline in Brisbane.
Taupau took part in his first Broncos training session at Red Hill on Tuesday morning as coach Kevin Walters ramped up Brisbane’s pre-season intensity ahead of Saturday’s first trial match.
Nicknamed “Kapow” for his brute strength and big hits, Taupau collided heavily with fellow Broncos big man Payne Haas during a high-octane session in searing heat.
After spending the past three months in the NRL wil derness, Taupau was on the verge of joining 2022 grand finalist Parramatta.
But an 11th-hour bid from the Broncos saw the Test veteran abort the Eels move and commit to Brisbane for the 2023 season.
Taupau, who turns 33 this week, said he did what was best for his family and career after being shown the door by Manly following seven seasons with the Sea Eagles.
“It’s whatever you read in the papers, I guess. You can take it as it is,” he said when asked if he backflipped on Parramatta.
“Everything was all there, we just had to weigh it all up. We weren’t reactive with what was being played at the time.
“We had to take a step back, take a couple of deep breaths and weigh everything all up.
“We’re in a very fortunate position now. We will take every opportunity here, make the most of it and get some success for this great club.”
Taupau arrives at Red Hill to boost the Broncos’ front row depth with 222 games of NRL experience since debuting in 2010, to go with his 33 Tests (24 for New Zealand and nine for Samoa.
He played 21 matches for Manly last season but was not offered a contract extension as coach Des Hasler was sacked and replaced by Anthony Seibold following a turbulent year.
Taupau had the opportunity to remain in Sydney and join the high-flying Eels, who lost last year’s grand final to Penrith.
But he opted to head north after touring Brisbane’s Red Hill headquarters and agreeing to a nine-month cameo on the spot.