KEEPING UP THE BIG HITS

After a breakout season Jason Taumalolo says he’s the leader of the Cowboys’ imposing pack

JASON Taumalolo says he won’t be taking a backwards step despite the return of Matt Scott and addition of Jordan McLean to North Queensland’s powerful pack.

Taumalolo is ready to rip against the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium tomorrow night following his explosive performance in last year’s derby.

The 2016 Dally M champion kicked off his season in strong fashion against the Sharks last Friday, racking up 184m from 17 carries in North Queensland’s seasonopening win.

Taumalolo, 24, was sensational for the Cowboys last year, stepping up after Scott suffered a season-ending injury in the Round 2 thriller against the Broncos.

He averaged 63 minutes, 18 runs for 194m and 27 tackles last season as the Cowboys rode to a shock grand final berth.

With Maroons ace Scott back from a knee reconstruction and Kangaroos star McLean joining the club from Melbourne, the pressure has eased on Taumalolo to fire every week.

But the 113kg weapon said he won’t play second fiddle to North Queensland’s other big men in the middle.

“Last year was a bit of a busier year for me with some key players injured, I had to step up my role,” Taumalolo said.

“With both co-captains and Jordan McLean back, it takes the pressure off me a bit.

“They are both representative front rowers and the best in the game right now. To have them alongside me will make my job a lot easier.

“But I won’t take a backwards step. I will still be there trying to play my role and make sure they are doing theirs so everyone is playing their best footy.”

What Scott and McLean’s presence will do for Taumalolo is help keep Tonga’s World Cup star fresh for the big moments.

While he is explosive on his own, many of Taumalolo’s most crucial plays in the past have come on the back of a strong carry by Scott or another Cowboys prop.

With a quick play-the-ball to work off, Taumalolo can catch retreating defences out and cause even more damage.

He has also been given the green light by coach Paul Green to roam wider on the field and work with halves Johnathan Thurston and Michael Morgan.

“I probably don’t have to take the hard carries every now and then – I can pick and choose my runs,” he said.

“I can run a bit wider with Johnno and Morgo.

“I will still put my hand up to help the boys out. Greeny has told me to try and pick up where I left last year.”

Taumalolo is in the first season of an unprecedented 10year contract.

He holds claim to securing the longest contract extension in NRL history, with the Cowboys to fork out $10 million over the life of the deal.

It is a contract that is sure to be scrutinised for years to come but Taumalolo said he is ready for the expectation.

“With the big money that comes with it comes a lot of pressure,” he said.

“It’s all about enjoying it. You can’t stay motivated if you’re not enjoying it. I’ve got a good playing group here. They are all fun. I’m enjoying my time at the club and that’s the main motivator for me.”

Taumalolo received a twomatch suspension following a shoulder charge in last year’s corresponding derby.