Wests Tigers back-rower Martin Taupau is relishing his new enforcer’s role and vowed to continue to lead from the front after an explosive performance against South Sydney on Sunday.

The New Zealand international infuriated the Rabbitohs by charging in to the back of Adam Reynolds off the ball and then spent most of the second-half battling with Kiwi teammate Issac Luke.

Taupau laughed off suggestions he and Luke had a problem and said despite being on the wrong side of a 20-6 defeat he thoroughly enjoyed to game.

“I feel blessed to be playing in the NRL and being out there and doing your best for the team is what it’s all about,” Taupau told AAP.

“Me and Issac played together in the World Cup and we had a joke after the siren, it’s what the game is all about you play hard and then shake hands.”

Tigers coach Jason Taylor gave a wry smile when asked about Taupau upsetting the premiers with his all-action style but warned the former Canterbury forward he can’t let his aggression affect his focus.

“He’s been really strong for us in all three games so far. He’s going well,” Taylor said.

“He hasn’t started a lot in his NRL career, Marty, and we’re asking him to start.

“He’s really having an impact in the game. I was a bit concerned a couple of times just because the last thing we needed to do was give penalties away in a game where we didn’t have enough ball as it was.

“They were my main concerns. I’m just keen for him to stay calm.”