Broncos’ Taupau was warned by NRL about lifting knees

Joel Gould | July 22, 2023

Brisbane prop Martin Taupau was warned by the NRL about lifting his knees while in possession of the ball before he was sin-binned for the offence in the 36-20 win over South Sydney.

Taupau will face a nervous wait for the NRL match review committee’s charge sheet to come out on Saturday after he was sin-binned and put on report in the 16th minute for lifting his knees in a tackle by Rabbitohs centre Campbell Graham at Sunshine Coast Stadium.

Graham was not injured in the incident but Broncos coach Kevin Walters said after the game that veteran front-rower Taupau was made aware by the NRL of the need to work on his technique while running the football.

“He got a warning letter through the week from the NRL, which Marty was aware of,” Walters said.

“Marty is not a dirty player. He’s certainly got to get that out of his game.

“I think tonight – starting him – that Marty got a bit excited. We haven’t started him all year.”

If Taupau is sidelined with a suspension the Broncos have the looming return of Queensland prop Tom Fleger up their sleeve.

Flegler was close to a return against the Rabbitohs from a Lisfranc injury to his foot but the Broncoes erred on the side of caution.

The Broncos had two players put on report with winger Jesse Arthars also sin-binned for a high shot on Rabbitohs fullback Blake Taaffe.

The Broncos defended well during the Taupau and Arthars absences and the Rabbitohs were unable to take advantage of their one-man advantage.

“Through that 10-minute period where we only had the 12 men I thought we defended really well, and then in the second-half as well,” Walters said.