A Canadian theatre critic has sent the NRL world into chaos on Friday, claiming to have received a contract between Wests Tigers forward Martin Taupau and Manly in an email mix-up.

James Kelly Nestruck, bearing the same first initial and surname as Sea Eagles CEO Joe Kelly, claims the documents were sent to him in error by a British legal professional.

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The emails allegedly show confirmation of Taupau’s release from the Tigers, where he was signed until the end of 2016, and the confirmation of a four-year contract at Manly.

Taupau had been linked to the Sea Eagles, with Manly desperately chasing forwards and the Wests Tigers trying to ease their current salary cap situation.

The 25-year-old is in the UK, touring with the New Zealand side who face England in Hull on Sunday.

Breaking: Martin Taupau signs three-year deal with Manly–Warringah Sea Eagles, 2016 – 2019.

— J. Kelly Nestruck (@nestruck) October 29, 2015

Anyone cover the New Zealand rugby league and want the contract of a player called Martin Taupau that was just emailed to me by accident?

— J. Kelly Nestruck (@nestruck) October 29, 2015