Balmain legend Ben Elias has questioned the Wests Tigers over their decision to release hulking forward Martin Taupau from the final year of his contract to link up with Manly-Warringah which now leaves much of the heavy lifting to Australian prop and Wests captain-in-waiting Aaron Woods.

“It’s a fact that without Marty Taupau a lot more of the onus will be on (Woods) to show the way, he’ll be captain and he’ll want to lead by example,” Elias told AAP.

“I just hope that he doesn’t burn himself out because of the extra pressure that he will have on him week in and week out.

“He’s a big part of the side and a local junior. I just hope he can handle this extra pressure.

“We’ve let go a guy of Taupau’s power and workrate. I just hope it can be made up and they can find someone. I don’t know.

“They might have someone and maybe (Jason Taylor) is a genius and he may know more. If so, I applaud him and I hope he’s right.”

Elias also wondered if the Tigers couldn’t have used Taupau in 2016 even if he was off to greener pastures the following season.

“I wouldn’t let (Taupau) go anywhere,” Elias said.

“He’s without a doubt one of the most damaging forwards in the game.

“He’s a young bloke who has come through and been a big part of the club for the last couple of years.

“He’s made a mark and been one of the brightest forwards and we had him under contract.”