NFL clubs join queue for Taumalolo’s skills

AUSTRALIA’S NFL pioneer Colin Scotts has urged Dally M medallist Jason Taumalolo to quit the NRL and test himself in American Football.

The Cowboys face a fight to keep Taumalolo with three NFL clubs expressing interest in the most damaging ball-runner in rugby league.

Now Taumalolo has even greater bargaining power after adding to his glittering portfolio by sharing Dally M spoils with Melbourne ace Cooper Cronk on Wednesday night.

At 23, Taumalolo has already scaled the NRL’s biggest summits by winning a premiership, playing Tests and claiming the Dally M Medal.

The Cowboys are confident Taumalolo will not walk out on the club, but Scotts believes the 110kg forward is capable of emulating Jarryd Hayne’s NFL journey.

“He can absolutely make it in the NFL,” said Scotts, a former Australian rugby schoolboy who played in the NFL for the St Louis Cardinals in 1987.

“My advice to Jason would be to take a punt and chase your dreams.

“If it doesn’t work out for him, he could come back to the NRL at age 25 or 26 and have plenty of years still to play rugby league.

“I don’t know the bloke but if anyone is physically capable of making the NFL, it’s Taumalolo.

“From what I’ve seen of Jason’s skill set, he would be a sensation. He’s got that X-factor of explosion and that’s what they love in the NFL.

“The fact he has interest from the NFL is huge because they don’t go after just anybody.”

Taumalolo is off contract at the end of next season and the Cowboys have made moves to sign him to an upgraded longterm deal but the Kiwi Test backrower has put contract talks on hold, evidence he is keeping his options open.

Taumalolo has said in separate interviews he is interested in playing NFL one day, but softened his stance after winning the Dally M Medal.

“My plan is to retire playing rugby league,” he said.

“That is still the same. It hasn’t changed at all.”