Mar 10th, 2020

Mar 10th, 2020

His teammates have a simple nickname for him – 'The Hitman'.

And the world saw what Manly winger Jorge Taufua could do when his brutal tackle on Melbourne Storm star Cameron Munster went viral around the globe last season, and was replayed on mainstream sports shows in the US.

"The Hitman! We've all seen what he can do out there," teammate Joel Thompson said of Taufua ahead of the Sea Eagles' 2020 NRL season opener.

This hit from Jorge Taufua on Cameron Munster last year went viral. (Fox)

When Taufua celebrates his 150th NRL match against Melbourne on Sunday, his teammates will be eager to see the sequel.

"I'm very happy for Jorge. He's a champion and it's good to see him get that milestone. He's a quiet guy, but I'd hate to be a fullback or winger that gets on the end of his hits," Thompson said.

"He's a champion guy, humble bloke, real family man and we love having him around the club."

Thompson said Taufua's big-hit ability is a rare quality in his position, and he hopes that fact shakes Origin star Munster come Sunday.

Taufua comes up with bone-rattler

"Hopefully [Munster] takes a backward step on that. He did nearly murder him," Thompson said.

"Jorge is that type that you just want to stay away from, so it's good to have him on our side.

"You don't really see wingers do that to be honest. He's probably the only winger that you have fear of.

"You love it. It pumps up the team. Like anyone that puts on a hit, you want that. You get around that, and it brings energy. He does that for the team and we love him for it."

Thompson isn't the only Sea Eagles star egging on Taufua to repeat his classic shot on Munster this weekend.

Taufua buries Rabbitohs forward

"It definitely gives us a lot of energy," Dylan Walker said.

"I do get that front row seat and if you see in a couple of highlights my face in the background is a bit like, 'Whoa, what just happened?'

"You sort of just feel for the bloke [Munster]. But we have a good laugh with it. We love it. It brings the crowd into it and we feed off the crowd, especially at Lottoland."

"He's a freak with that sort of stuff," added fellow Sea Eagles winger Reuben Garrick.

"I'll try my best to replicate him.

"You see something like that… everyone ramps up a bit. It lifts the intensity of the game and it's almost like he's shy after he does it."

Ethan Lowe is hammered by Jorge Taufua during Souths Sydney's semi final win over Manly. (Getty)

The man himself is humble about his defensive capabilities.

"That was a random moment I think. I hope everyone is not expecting that same thing. It's a whole new year," Taufua said.

"We'll see what happens. [Munster] is a very talented player, I just hope we can beat them this weekend."

Taufua is also worried about what his coach Des Hasler will do to him if all doesn't go to plan.

"I like to make plays like that for my team, especially when we're facing a bit of adversity. Sometimes it's not always the right decision to tackle like that though," he said.

"I do get scored on a fair bit, so I have to weigh that up and make sure my decisions are right, because I definitely get blasted come Monday by You Know Who."

Manly flew under the radar last season, making it to the second week of the finals. This season the pressure is on with many predicting a top four finish.

For Taufua the opportunity to share his 150th game at home and in a rivalry game against the Storm is special – not least because he's hoping most of his family fill out the Fulton-Menzies Stand at Lottoland.

"All of the Beaver stand - about 200," Taufua joked.

"Very proud to be out there Sunday.

"We'll be looking forward to this weekend. I wouldn't want to play anywhere else."