Taupau vows to keep aggressive NRL style

Manly’s Martin Taupau won’t curb his aggressive style, despite returning from a two-game NRL shoulder charge suspension.

Taupau has been suspended by the NRL four times since the start of 2015, spending a total of nine matches on the sideline during that time.

But the 27-year-old has no intention of changing his uncompromising approach to the game.

“Nah, not a chance,” he responded when asked.

“I’m not going to change anything.”

Sea Eagles coach Trent Barrett said last week his only advice to Taupau was to use his arms when tackling, after being pinned for the round-one shoulder charge.

Taupau’s rap sheet includes suspensions for high tackles in 2015 and 2016, as well as a three-week ban for a dangerous throw last year.

And he feared he had added another high shot to the list in his winning return against Canterbury on Saturday, when he collected Bulldogs fullback Brad Abbey high.

“I was sweating on that whether I was going to get charged,” he said.

“Because I don’t have the prettiest rep sheet in the NRL.”

But he insists he has taken steps in recent years to ensure he finds himself in hot water less often.

“I’m actually pretty good with controlling my aggression at the moment,” he said.

“I’ve worked really hard in the past few years to contain it.

“I don’t want to be a loose cannon anymore. When there are arguments and stuff on the field, just go in with smiles on your face and break it up.”

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