The Mole: Manly confirm gamble on injury prone veteran as Sio Siua Taukeiaho signs
Manly have taken a gamble by signing former Roosters, Kiwi and Tongan Test prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho.
Taukeiaho was one of the most consistent front-rowers in the game in his nine years with the Roosters but is now 32 and has played just 10 games in the past two seasons - and none in 2024.
The veteran prop was dogged by a nagging foot injury and eventually underwent surgery midway through this year.
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He is on a train and trial deal with Manly - similar to the one on which they signed tough forward Nathan Brown this season.
Sio Siua Taukeiaho of the Roosters is tackled during the round three NRL match between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and the Sydney Roosters at Accor Stadium, on March 25, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. Getty
But he has been given extensive medical checks and cleared by the Sea Eagles' high performance staff to resume full training.
Taukeiaho agreed to play for the Bulldogs last season but the injury continued to hamper him and he never took the field.
He agreed to a train and trial with the Sea Eagles on Friday and will formally sign a contract next week.
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He then only has to get through the trials to earn a spot in the club's 30-man roster.
"He is big, strong and experienced and will add something to us," a Manly source told Wide World of Sports.
"He lives in the area so it's handy for him and he should be great for our young forwards."
