NRL: Martin Taupau set to favour club over Kiwis for Denver test

  • 25/05/2018
The Kiwis enforcer would rather be fit for his club than represent New Zealand.
The Kiwis enforcer would rather be fit for his club than represent New Zealand. Photo credit: Photosport

Kiwis forward Martin Taupau is set to favour club over country and skip next month's controversial Denver test.

The Manly enforcer has been a critical player for New Zealand since making his test debut back in 2014, but he admits to concerns over the June 23 test.

His biggest worry is player welfare. The players chosen for the test will travel more than 17,000km round trip and then return to club duties the following week.

The Sea Eagles next game is seven days later on June 30 against the Panthers, while other clubs like the Dragons and Warriors will have much shorter turnarounds.

The club is currently 12th on the NRL ladder and has 20 players out due to injury.

Speaking to NRL.com, Taupau said his decision would come down to whether he could play against Penrith the following week. 

"It all depends if I'm able to come back and back up that following weekend," he explained. "That is the issue.

"It all comes down to the transparency between the club and the New Zealand Rugby League [in terms of rest and player welfare].

"I have to look after myself the right way. If I'm not 100 percent, then obviously I can't do anything."

Taupau isn't the only player not sold on next month's fixture.

Warriors prop James Gavet thinks the test threatens to derail the club's hot start to the season, while Roosters forward Jared Waerea-Hargreaves said he would hold off on making a decision. 

Kiwis captain Adam Blair, and England duo James Graham and Gareth Widdop have said they are happy and willing to feature in the match.

Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett thinks the effects of the test will hinder clubs later in the season.

Along with Taupau, fellow Manly forward Addin Fonua-Blake is also a chance of being named.

"I'd have no dramas with the test if it was here or in New Zealand," explained Barrett.

"But to take the players that far away; Marty Taupau hasn't had an off-season in five years.

"We want our best players on the park, and we've lumped that on him and then lumped this on him again.

"The effects of that test will linger for a month, that's the biggest concern for me. Marty's a chance, Addin is a chance and they are two of our best players."

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