Wests Tigers enforcer Martin Taupau has praised the start the Club's forward pack has made to 2015 as they prepare to take on the New Zealand Warriors this week.
Taupau, who notched up his 50th NRL appearance on Easter Monday with a 22-6 win, said that the forwards had set a strong benchmark through the opening few games of the season and it was a combined effort across the board that was doing the job.
"For us, the forwards are doing a massive job so far this year," he said.
"Particularly the two guys in the middle — Woodsy [Aaron Woods] and Keith Galloway.
"It's massive what they've been doing every week.
"With Woodsy, the last few weeks he's been making over 200 metres a game, which is just ridiculous to keep going, and with Keith Galloway, he's come a long way with injuries in the pst few years and he's really picked up his game and is playing really well.
There's NOTHING quite like a packed hill! Be there on Sunday, April 19 when we take on the Canberra Raiders at Leichhardt Oval!
"I've just been going on the back of them, to be honest.
"They're making all the metres, tackle breaks and getting quick play-the-balls, so I'm just running on the back of what they're doing, to be honest.
"All my metres are coming off the back of them.
"[I've got] massive raps for both of them in laying the platform for us this year."
Moved into the starting side at lock forward under new Head Coach Jason Taylor, Taupau has been one of the key factors in Wests Tigers' attack this year, with the New Zealand international avergaring 126.4 metres and 31.4 tackles in his first five games of 2015.
His confident style and never-back-down approach has quickly made him a huge hit amongst fans, but he says being able to play the way he does all comes down to a strong system put in place by the coaching staff and platform established by the two starting props.
"I think I've slightly brought out the aggression a bit more this year," he reflected with a smile.
"It started a bit with last year, just getting to the style and strucutres that been put in place, and [again this year] with Jason Taylor and what he's brought upon us forwards.
"My role is just to play hard and stick to the structure, and build the set for the boys," he said.
"I'm enjoying my footy more [this year] and that's slowly building my confidence more too, which I guess is making my aggression come out a bit more."
After already coming up against two strong packs this year in the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Wests Tigers will face another big test this weekend when they travel to Mount Smart Stadium to take on the New Zealand Warriors.
"The Warriors are a big pack, and they're pretty sharp right across the paddock," Taupau said.
"We're pretty aware of what they can dish out on the field, and we're ready for it."
Wests Tigers take on the Canberra Raiders in their first game of the year at Leichhardt Oval on April 19! Click here to secure your seats and cheer on the boys in Sunday afternoon footy!
