DOUBLE JOY FOR TAUPAU: BACK AT MANLY AND DAD FOR FIRST TIME IN SAMOAN CEREMONY
Manly Sea Eagles forward Martin Taupau is celebrating two life-changing milestones this week — securing a two-year return to the club and welcoming his first child with partner Michelle Baillie in a stunning Samoan ceremony.
In a heartwarming homecoming, the powerful prop has re-signed with Manly as the newly appointed club mentor, tasked with guiding the team’s younger players through their NRL journey. Taupau, known for his devastating fend and clinical offloads, is no stranger to success in maroon and white, having played in finals series in 2017, 2019, and 2021, and scoring 11 tries for the Sea Eagles across his career.
Recently, ahead of his 150th game for the club, the forward paid tribute to late Manly Immortal Bob Fulton, who he credited as a major influence on his time at Brookvale Oval — a legacy he now hopes to pass on to the next generation.
But the on-field triumph was quickly eclipsed by a moment of pure family magic in Samoa, his homeland and the place where his relationship with Baillie first flourished. Today, the couple welcomed their first baby in a breathtaking ceremony steeped in Samoan tradition, surrounded by loved ones in the country that holds a special place in their hearts.
The double celebration marks a full-circle moment for Taupau, who now balances his commitment to nurturing Manly’s future stars with the joy of raising his own child. As he prepares to pull on the Sea Eagles jersey once more, he carries with him not just the weight of mentorship, but the warmth of a growing family and the pride of his cultural roots.
