Samoa star Martin Taupau finds new club in the NRL for 2023
Photo: PA
Samoa powerhouse Martin Taupau has signed a one-year deal with Brisbane Broncos for the 2023 NRL season following his exit from Manly Sea Eagles.
The 32-year-old has made 222 appearances in the NRL for Canterbury Bulldogs, Wests Tigers and Manly.
Taupau has won 33 caps on the international stage. He represented birth nation New Zealand 24 times before switching his allegiance to Samoa, the nation of his heritage.
Broncos coach Kevin Walters said: “Marty has been playing in the NRL since 2010 so he brings good experience.
“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. 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.”
New clubs for Samoa stars Martin Taupau and Stephen Crichton
Stephen Crichton will be a Canterbury Bulldogs player from 2024 after the NRL club confirmed they had agreed a four-year deal with the Samoa superstar.
The 22-year-old will play the 2023 campaign with Penrith. He will then make the move to the Bulldogs at the end of the year when pre-season commences for 2024.
Crichton has scored 41 tries in 76 games for the Panthers since making his first team debut in 2019.
The Apia-born centre or full-back has played a key role in helping Penrith win back-to-back NRL Premierships.
A Bulldogs statement read: “Out of respect to both Stephen and the Penrith Panthers, the club will make no further comment until he joins us at the end of the 2023 season.”
On leaving Penrith, Crichton said: “It was the hardest decision to make, but now my full focus is on the 2023 season; and finishing my time at Panthers as strong as I can.
“It’s going to be tough to leave my team-mates, but we will have our chance to make more memories this year.
“I know my friendships at Panthers won’t finish here but will last forever.”
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