Taumalolo aims to be NRL great

JASON Taumalolo has declared he wants to be remembered as one of rugby league’s best ever players.

Already considered the NRL’s premier forward, Taumalolo will assume a more senior role in a younger Cowboys’ forward pack when they kick off their season against Brisbane on Friday week.

Taumalolo (pictured) is now into year three of his decadelong deal in Townsville.

If there was one fear when he signed his landmark $10 million contract, it was that motivation could become an issue for the star back-rower.

Parramatta prop Reagan Campbell-Gillard admitted last month he fell into a comfort zone after signing for half that long at Penrith in 2018.

“I guess that depends on the person. Everyone is different. Clubs do run the risk of that eventually happening,” Taumalolo said.

“Some players want more and are still hungry when they play. Some players don’t. I can see his point, losing motivation.”

But still only 26, Taumalolo is adamant that will never become an issue for him.

“Signing a long-term deal, the motivation isn’t so much to try and get myself ready for another big year and do it for long periods of time,” Taumalolo said.

“I have moved past that stage. For me it’s trying to leave a legacy behind. I have come this far and I want to try to play the best footy I can.

“And hopefully that sticks with fans and people in rugby league, that one day I am one of the best to play the game.

“Legacy is driving me right now and probably for the rest of my career.”