Wests Tigers have released Martin Taupau from the final year of his contract allowing the Kiwi International to join Manly-Warringah immediately on a four-year deal.

Speculation on Taupau’s future has been rife in recent weeks and culminated with an e-mail accidentally sent to a Canadian journalist instead of Manly boss Joe Kelly.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for me to play in a strong team alongside some of the game’s biggest names in Jamie Lyon, Brett Stewart, Daly Cherry-Evans, Peta Hiku and Steve Matai,’’ Taupau said via the Manly club.

“The Sea Eagles have recruited well for next season and to have the opportunity to play with Australian and Queensland prop Nate Myles, and fellow Kiwi international Lewis Brown, was an added bonus in securing my future with Manly.

“It is a fresh beginning at the Sea Eagles under new Head Coach Trent Barrett and I’m really looking forward to playing under him.

“The Sea Eagles are one of the most successful clubs in the history of rugby league and I want to be a big part in getting them back into the finals next season as they celebrate their 70^th Anniversary.”

The Tigers were forced to release the statement without quotes from Taupau because Manly were about to release their own with comment from Taupau.

“While it’s disappointing for our Members and fans to see Taupau leave the Club he had made it clear that he intended on playing elsewhere from 2017 onwards,” Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe said in a statement.

“Earlier this year the Club was negotiating with Taupau to extend his stay at Wests Tigers. We put on the table what we believed was a fair offer but ultimately he has decided to continue his playing career elsewhere.

“The decision to release Taupau early not only improves the Club’s salary cap position but as a consequence will also help to secure some of the young talent already with the Club.

“The negotiations regarding releasing Taupau have been going on over the last week and our organisation has been doing everything possible to be respectful to Taupau, our Members and fans as this is a sensitive issue for all,” said Pascoe. “To see all of that work being undone and for the story to come out in this way is disappointing and almost comical.”

Coach Jason Taylor added that the remaining squad was ready to return to training.

“We’re confident that our roster, including a number of new recruits, will lead this Club well next season,” said Taylor.

“The Club has been working hard to improve depth across every position and we have players ready to step up.

“We return to pre-season training next week and all of the players are keen to get back onto the field and prepare for next season.”