For rugby league powerhouse Siosiua Taukeiaho, the road back to the NRL has been anything but smooth, marked by multiple failed attempts and a high price tag that ultimately kept him sidelined from a return to the Sydney Roosters. The former Catalans Dragons player saw his potential NRL homecoming fall apart when he insisted on a $500,000 salary. While Taukeiaho’s salary per season might seem reasonable given his reputation, it proved too steep for the Roosters, causing them to walk away from the negotiation table. Even in the UK’s Super League, where salaries are generally more modest, Taukeiaho’s requested salary would be considered at the high end, making it a risky investment in a competitive market.

This is not the first time Taukeiaho’s NRL ambitions have hit roadblocks. Earlier this year, the Canterbury Bulldogs showed keen interest in signing the Tongan international, but the deal stalled due to the mid-season trade window’s closure. A similar attempt was made in 2023, only to fall through due to a medical complication that dashed his comeback aspirations. Now, with a history of NRL deals thwarted by various factors, Taukeiaho’s desired return seems increasingly elusive.

Taukeiaho’s recent season with the Catalans Dragons in 2024 added another layer of complexity. Although he was a key figure for the French side, his year ended abruptly and in controversy. Alongside teammates Damel Diakhate and Jayden Nikorima, Taukeiaho was dismissed from the Dragons after attending a concert in London without authorisation, a decision that has sidelined him from professional play for the season. Catalans’ action raised eyebrows, casting doubt on Taukeiaho’s future as he navigates an uncertain path back to top-flight rugby league.