My pal saw Brian Noble in Guiseley yesterday and he told him that Leeds have signed Taupau. He reckons it’s 100% as Toronto wanted him for a season, but he chose Leeds. I’m not having it myself.

It doesn't sound plausable. But you never know, he want's out at Manly, Manly want to clear. Who is to say he wouldn't accept less money just for one season over here, with Manly chipping in some money (like the Merrin deal), that then makes it not a Marquee and more affordable.

I had thought the only way we would get Taupau would be on a one year short term contract, as much as I want to see the club build a good squad for the long term I'd be over the moon with Taupau for one year TBH

I agree. At the end of the day we have good youngsters coming through, who need to work with good players to reach potential. They don't necessarily need these players for 3 and 4 years. Working with him for one year to get a couple of these accustomed and up to speed might be a big plus going forward, then that homegrown becomes the long term shirt holder instead.

I could understand a "no thanks" to Kear. That he would somehow end up telling him what his plans were instead sounds less likely. And that Kear would then pass them on to random punters?

I’m just passing on what he told my mate. They were chatting and he said he was a Leeds fan. Noble apparently said that, and that was it. It could well be true that it’s only for a year, as Noble said that’s what Toronto offered him as he’s desperate to leave Manly. May be a load of b****ks, but it would be on BN’s part, as the lad in question isn’t a liar.

Sorry, didn't mean to imply he was. Merely considering the likelihood that kear's info was duff. Which seems likely tbh.

It was Brian Noble, not Kear mate. Now, as he’s part of the Toronto set up, he may know something maybe?

I hope he's right - and f*** knows where I got Kear from, all the signings excitement must have affected my ability to read

The first thing I said was "give over", but the more you think about it, the more it makes sense. Like you say though, regardless of the outcome, it’s exciting times as a Leeds fan.

I was just thinking today that a 1-2 year deal for an established prop would be perfect to give Oledzki, Dupree, Holroyd some more development time. Long-term I think we have some talent at prop. A 1 year deal for Taupau would be awesome balls.

Even with a new prop or even two forwards as well as Merrin, we need the other forwards to stand up. I hear what people say about playing busted etc etc but its time for the excuses to stop and the likes of Singleton, Cuthbertson and Peteru to step up as well, otherwise we may as well not bother signing anyone.