Taumalolo ready to lead by experience
AFTER inspiring Tonga to a historic win over Australia in November, Jason Taumalolo is prepared to now help carry the Cowboys to success in 2020.
With experienced campaigners Johnathan Thurston, Matt Scott, Scott Bolton and Kane Linnett no longer in North Queensland colours, Taumalolo finds himself as a senior member of the playing roster.
The rampaging lock says it’s a challenge he’s ready to embrace.
“Everyone’s come back in good nick and it’s great to see, especially the younger boys following the lead of the older boys in the team,” Taumalolo said.
“I’m excited to see how they play and if they work hard enough they’ll get their shot at playing first grade.
“We’ve lost a lot of experience over the last few years.
“It’s hard to consider myself an old head at this club but for myself I guess not much has changed. I like to do a lot of leading on the field and Morgo (Michael Morgan) does that a lot on the field and off the field.
“We’ve still got Coops (Gavin Cooper) there guiding not just myself and Morgs but everyone.”
Taumalolo said he had noted a big difference in the club’s current off season in comparison to previous ones.
It’s a proactive approach that he hopes lifts the Cowboys back into finals football.
“A lot of things have changed in-house, from recovery protocols to prepping for training,” he said.
“A lot of mindset things, mental things, we’ve been doing off the paddock so I guess the focus is for everyone to get themselves right.”
One of the big talking points of the off season was the Cowboys’ interest in representative centre Latrell Mitchell.
Taumalolo said Mitchell, who signed a deal with the
South Sydney Rabbitohs on Monday, would have been a great addition to a backline that already includes State of Origin players Morgan and Valentine Holmes.
“Obviously with the way things panned out it’s good for him to find a home at Redfern and to be playing rugby league again.
“He’s one of those players the game needs and he’ll be a star player for the Rabbitohs.”
The Tongan international also paid tribute to former teammate Te Maire Martin, 24, who made the decision to retire from rugby league on Sunday due to a brain bleed.
“I’ve known Te Maire since 2015 when we went on a tour for the Kiwis together.
“Te Maire is one of the nicest guys at our club and he’s so talented and young, so it’s pretty sad to see him go.
“You’ve got to look your health first.”
With just over eight weeks until the season starts, Taumalolo said he would love to head to Perth next month to blow out the cobwebs in the NRL Nines.
“I’d love to play in the nines but obviously Greeny has a big decision.
“I guess the biggest risk injury going to Nines.
“If I had it my way I’d want to play.” after is