Forward warning
NORTH Queensland’s $ 10million man Jason Taumalolo is set to unleash on the South Sydney Rabbitohs on Friday night when he makes his highly anticipated return from suspension.
The reigning Dally M Medallist has been sidelined for the past two weeks due to a shoulder charge ban, but he’ll slot straight back into the lock forward role after being named in coach Paul Green’s 21- man squad.
Taumalolo’s return in the No. 13 jersey sees hardworking backrower Ethan Lowe shift to his usual position on the right edge, with Coen Hess dropping back to the interchange bench.
Fullback Lachlan Coote will also make his return from a calf injury, pushing teenage whiz Kalyn Ponga out of the 17, while speedster Gideon GelaMosby has retained his place on the wing after a strong debut against the Titans last weekend.
Taumalolo was in devastating form before his suspension, running for a career- best 289m against the Raiders along with nine tackle busts before backing that up with 227m against the Broncos.
The 23- year- old is sure to have a point to prove in his game against Souths after also signing an unprecedented 10year deal with the Cowboys while he was suspended.
Taumalolo is undoubtedly the forward leader for the Cowboys, but the decision to bench Hess could be seen as counter- productive given the hulking backrower has scored four tries in four games this season, using his brute strength to carry defenders over the line.
The Cowboys are spoiled for talent in the backrow with Taumalolo, Gavin Cooper, Lowe, and now Hess all pushing for starting spots, but assistant coach Todd Payten said it was a nice headache to have, especially given their injury woes in other positions.
“I asked Greeny what he planned to do with the backrow ( after the Titans game) and he said on Coops’ performance he was going to be left out,” Payten said.
“I know it was a bit tonguein- cheek, but it’s a good headache to have.
“We’ve got guys there.
“Jason Taumalolo’s not the weakest man running around, but Hessy for his age and where he’s at in his development, he’s quite a beast.”
Payten expected Hess would still have a big role to play against Souths even if he wasn’t in the starting side.
“He’s going from strength to strength,” Payten said.
“We spoke through the week ( before the Titans game) that we wanted him to really get at Kane Elgey and he did that quite well and scored a couple of tries which not everyone can score.
“I think ( Souths five- eighth) Cody Walker would have been watching it and he’ll have a few sleepless nights this week.” a few strong