Aaron Kelly | 22nd February 2012

GENTLE GIANT: Blackwater rugby league product Dave Taylor with wife Ashlee and daughters Macie and Aliah. Photo: Contributed

WHEN Dave Taylor hits the rugby league field, the 122kg wrecking ball is regarded as one of the most feared forwards in the game.

But, in reality, big Dave is just a gentle giant.

Taylor was kicking back at his Sydney home with his family - wife, Ashlee, and daughters, Macie, two, and Aliah, 10 months old - when he spoke about the upcoming NRL season with South Sydney, playing for his state and country, family fun and a possible move back to Queensland next year.

And even over the phone you get the feeling the father of two is still a "big kid".

"That's what my wife says, that she's looking after three kids," he said with a laugh.

"Having kids is the best thing I've ever done. Every chance I get to stay home and play with them, I do."

After launching his 2012 season with the victorious NRL All Stars on the Gold Coast, Taylor was back in a Rabbitohs' jersey for Saturday's Charity Shield clash against the Dragons at Sydney's ANZ Stadium.

Taylor, still only 23, has enjoyed a bumper off-season under new South Sydney coach Michael Maguire after shoulder surgery cut his season short last year and also his chances of representing Australia in the Four Nations.

"I struggled with a shoulder injury all of last year. I hurt it in round one and just played with the pain but in the end it was just something I had to get fixed," Taylor said.

Taylor missed last year's State of Origin decider - and Darren Lockyer's final game for Queensland - due to suspension and can't wait to get back into a Maroon jersey this year.

But first he wants to wear the green and gold of his country.

"I'm looking for a real big year at Souths and establish myself in the rep sides," he said.

"The Anzac Test is the first one up and if I play like I did at the end of last year I'll put myself in a good position."

Taylor is determined to lead a premiership charge by the Bunnies.

"Every player dreams of getting their club to a grand final but at the moment I'm just taking it game by game," he said.

Off-contract at season's end, Taylor faces a life-changing decision over his playing future in coming months whether to remain in Sydney or return to Queensland where he burst onto the NRL scene for the Broncos.

"To be honest, I'm more worried about getting through the start of the season and cementing my spot in the team and making sure I have a big year," he said.

For Taylor, that'll be child's play.