NFL dream ends for Taupau

Manly forward Martin Taupau has given up on his dream of one day playing American football in the NFL.

The powerful forward recently signed a four-year deal with the Sea Eagles, and concedes that taking such a step means he has to give up on his gridiron dreams.

“I don’t think I’m in a position to [try and get to the NFL] any more,” Taupau said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’ve signed with Manly for four years so that puts all that aside, it will even put it to bed.

“It’s nice to watch the game now. I sit on the couch and watch a few games here and there. But I don’t think now making the move is a smart move with my football. It’s Manly for the next four years.”

Taupau admits he is fasincated by American football, and would be interested to see the game played without helmets or pads.

“It would be interesting to see how they go without the helmets and the shoulder pads,” he mused.

“A game of NFL without that sort of stuff; it would be interesting but we’ll wait until that day happens.”