Why Taumalolo’s standing by ’Boys

JASON Taumalolo has revealed the Cowboys culture and a desire to win another premiership with North Queensland were behind the Dally M champion’s decision to turn his back on a move home to New Zealand.

Taumalolo will confront the Warriors at 1300SMILES Stadium on Saturday for the first time since rejecting a multimillion-dollar offer to head across the ditch.

The Warriors have made two major plays to snare Taumalolo in the past three seasons, including a $1 million-aseason offer in 2015.

The 24-year-old agonised over a return to the country of his birth both times yet ultimately stayed in Townsville.

Having joined the Cowboys at 13 and made his NRL debut at 17, Taumalolo felt he owed something to North Queensland and wanted to finish his career as a one-club player.

“I couldn’t see myself playing anywhere else,” he said. “It was more the culture of the club and the fact I’ve been there since day dot in my NRL career.

“I honestly think I’ve made the right decision.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to go home but I also love it up in north Queensland. I love the lifestyle and everything about it.”

Taumalolo’s 10-year contract is worth about $10 million but it is possible he could have earned more by heading to the Warriors, such was New Zealand’s desperation to sign him.

While his parents live in Townsville, Taumalolo has plenty of family in New Zealand and said that nearly drew him home.

“They (Warriors) wanted me to come home,” he said.

“A lot of my family is based in New Zealand and I was born there. At the time it was a tough decision to make.

“Obviously money came into play. We all know footy players only play for so long in their careers. Money eventually comes into play.

“But when it came down to it, I thought I could be better with my footy and play consistently and I saw where the club was heading over here.

“I realised I definitely enjoyed where I was and how I was playing footy.

“I didn’t want to change that. It made my decision a lot easier and I chose to stay.

“I call north Queensland home, too. To play footy up here is such a privilege.”