Taupau booted by Broncos after Insta drama, trainers banned and fined over slippery Steedens




Penrith and the Cowboys have copped $10,000 fines after their trainers were caught spraying the ball before kick-off with their water bottles last Saturday night.

The NRL announced the breach notices on Friday with the respective trainers, Penrith’s Shane Elford and North Queensland’s Mitch Dunn also handed two-game suspended sentences.

“The NRL has also reminded all clubs about the limitations of the roles of trainers on match days,” the NRL said in a statement.

“Any action, other than those permitted under the NRL rules, may be considered a breach liable to sanctions.”

Dunn will not be allowed to participate in Saturday night’s home game against Manly and with the Panthers having the bye this round, Elford will sit out next week’s game against Newcastle.

They were sprung squirting the ball with water before kick-offs during their 30-30 extra-time draw at QCB Stadium las Saturday night.

Elford deliberately sprayed the Steeden with his water bottle before handing it off to Dylan Edwards before kickoffs at the halfway line.

A Cowboys fan noticed the underhanded tactic and posted it on social media but then footage was uncovered showing Dunn using the same ploy.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten had complained after the match that Penrith were in the wrong.

“I will let the NRL handle it. I don’t know what they’re going to do but it was noticeable to us, definitely. I don’t want to say anymore.”

Taupau gone after liking anti-Maguire rant

Brisbane and prop Martin Taupau will part ways with the veteran having played his last game for the club.

The 35-year-old and the Broncos are in the midst of finalising their separation in amicable fashion from what was a one-year contract for 2025.

The Samoan and New Zealand international is understood to be keen to continue his NRL career in Sydney.

The Broncos have depth in the middle forwards with Fletcher Baker and Ben Te Kura both in the top squad, and AAP understands Taupau was not part of coach Michael Maguire’s plans going forward.

The development comes after Taupau liked a video post on Instagram by former Kiwi international and Wests Tigers player Elijah Taylor, who was critical of Maguire’s coaching methods.

Taupau then retracted his “like” and apologised for his actions in a statement.

He said he had no issues with Maguire who had given him a contract extension in November last year after taking up the Broncos position.

Taupau released a statement on Friday, explaining his actions.

“Today I liked a video by Elijah Taylor talking about Michael Maguire’s coaching methods,” Taupau said.

“I regret this as it was not my intention to endorse the video. I removed the like immediately after. 

“I want to make it clear. I am thoroughly enjoying being coached by coach Michael Maguire and will continue to do whatever I can to help the Broncos win a premiership in 2025.”

Maguire has come under fire in some quarters for training the side too hard and for being too intense during the week.

Those claims were rejected by props Payne Haas and Pat Carrigan this week.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 05: Broncos head coach Michael Maguire speaks to media during a Brisbane Broncos NRL training session at Hyde Park on March 05, 2025 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Broncos coach Michael Maguire. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

“After a loss you’re off to a funeral and someone will be getting cooked at the video session.

“Two, training methods. Ninety-five per cent of the time on the field it’s full contact.

“You haven’t done an NRL pre-season until you have done a Michael Maguire pre-season.

“Three, time efficiency. Let’s have a meeting for a meeting for a meeting. I’d get home from training and the kids don’t know who I am anymore.”

Taupau “liked” the post, but wished he hadn’t.

“Today I liked a video by Elijah Taylor talking about Michael Maguire’s coaching methods,” Taupau said in a statement.

“I regret this as it was not my intention to endorse the video. I removed the like immediately after. 

“I want to make it clear. I am thoroughly enjoying being coached by coach Michael Maguire and will continue to do whatever I can to help the Broncos win a premiership in 2025.”

“I think it’s bollocks,” Haas said.

“Everyone has got belief in this group and what (Maguire) does with us. We support him 100 per cent.

“We enjoy being here and enjoy training hard, we just haven’t got the results.”

Carrigan backed up Haas.

“We know we have to train hard and we know we have to do the things to get where we want to be and that’s be a premiership team,” he said.

“Marty has addressed it. As a teammate I will support him, but also where we want to go as a club.”

Taupau played one game off the bench this year for Brisbane and lined up in 34 matches for the club in his 256-game career.

with AAP



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