Martin Taupau has welcomed the challenge of becoming an 80 minute player in the NRL.
Taupau played a full game for the first time in his NRL career in the Sea Eagles loss to Wests Tigers at Leichhardt Oval last Monday night.
At the Wests Tigers, the Kiwi enforcer played less minutes, being used more as an impact player.
He now welcomes the possibility of playing more 80 minute games.
At Manly, Taupau is averaging 122 metres, 36 tackles, and two line breaks, from the first two rounds.
Taupau said he was ‘pretty happy’ with his first full game.
“I was wrecked (at the end of it). I am still wrecked now,’’ Taupau said today.
“The body is battered and bruised. I am not used to playing 80 minutes, but it is exciting.
“I believe I can rack up a lot of minutes. It is all about progression. It has taken me a few years to do that.”
Taupau also feels the second-row suits him better after playing lock in the round loss to the Bulldogs. He will line up there again against the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks at Brookvale Oval this Monday night.
“I believe it is. For me, more ball in hand, more space. I really enjoyed it out wide,’’ he added.
“It would be nice to stay out wide. At the end of the day, I am not the one making the calls, I just do what I get told to do, and I just play my game.
“It is up to (Coach) Trent Barrett and what he wants me to do as a player."
The Sea Eagles are offering the chance for supporters to purchase a general admission ticket for the Sharks match for just $19.78 - that's a huge saving of 30%.
The $19.78 Adult Ticket has an option to redeem up to 2 free Junior tickets. Junior tickets must be redeemed online or over the phone during the purchase process.
This offer will run until Midnight Sunday March 20. On Game day Adult tickets will return to the regular Game Day price, with no complimentary Junior ticket available.
Match Day Times for Sharks game
Gates open: 4.40pm
Holden Cup Kick-off: 4.45pm
NRL Kick-off: 7pm.
Buy tickets here