MANLY are on the verge of snaring explosive forward Marty Taupau from the Wests Tigers.

The Kiwi international is under contract for another year but is seeking a release.

A number of rival clubs are aware of the situation and are chasing the game-breaking forward for 2016 and beyond.

New Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett is a clear frontrunner to secure his services to play alongside fellow Kiwis Louis Brown and Steve Matai.

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His arrival would be a massive boost to Manly’s finals campaign in a forward pack that has already been beefed up with the signing of Maroons State of Origin forward Nate Myles.

Rumours that Taupau wants out from the Wests Tigers have been around for several weeks.

He is one of a number of players unhappy about the treatment of club legend Robbie Farah.

There has also been speculation Taupau would attempt to do a Jarryd Hayne and try to make it in the NFL. But we’re told NRL is still his preferred option.

His departure will put further pressure on embattled coach Jason Taylor who will struggle to convince a player who doesn’t want to be there to stay.

There is talk of a swap deal between the Tigers and the Sea Eagles involving veteran hooker Matt Ballin. The 31-year-old hooker has two years left at Brookvale but has been granted permission to look elsewhere.

After missing the finals last year, the Sea Eagles are rated a $15 chance in the first betting market issued by the TAB for 2016.

The price would shorten to around $12 if Taupau signs. The Wests Tigers are a $34 chance.