Taupau to give Manly big edge

MARTIN Taupau’s return will make Manly’s starting middle the most dangerous of the remaining finalists ahead of Friday’s heavyweight clash with South Sydney.

Taupau is set to come back from suspension to start alongside rampaging prop Addin Fonua-blake for the semi-final, as part of a superstar battle with Sam Burgess.

Barely listed among the best middles in the game at the start of the year, Taupau and FonuaBlake now make for the most dangerous with Jake Trbojevic also at lock.

Arguably the form forward, Fonua-blake has averaged 152 metres a game this season and put defenders on their backs for fun at times.

His one-two punch with Taupau is also formidable, with Manly getting a combined 289 metres a game out of their two starting props.

Of the remaining finalists, the Roosters are the next best with 267 metres, according to Fox Sports Stats.

“You get confidence from having (Taupau) in your team,” Trbojevic said.

“He is a world-class player, he has been for a number of years.

“Hopefully him and Addin can work really well together like they have been all year.

“It’s been a real good year for (Addin) seeing him turn into a leader of this club.”

— Scott Bailey

It marks the first time an NRLW player has been charged after a clean match review committee record in last year’s inaugural campaign.

With an early plea FotuMoala will cop a two-match suspension, ensuring she won’t play again unless the Dragons make the grand final.

The hard-hitting prop risks a three-game ban if she unsuccessfully fights the charge, rubbing her out for the season.