THESE COWBOYS ARE LEADING BY EXAMPLE
JASON Taumalolo and Chad Townsend are completely different characters, but their partnership as co-captains has heralded a new age of Cowboys glory.
Townsend has been the missing piece of the North Queensland puzzle that has unlocked the team’s potential in
2022: an experienced gamemanaging half with an elite kicking game that has seen it all, including winning premierships.
Despite a “crazy two weeks”, Townsend said he’d be ready to face a Parramatta team buzzing after a 40-4 demolition of the Canberra Raiders.
“My wife had our fourth baby last week after the Sharks game, so yeah, it was a pretty crazy week to be honest,” Townsend said.
“I stayed back in Sydney after the game as my wife and I decided for her to have the baby in Sydney, just to be around some friends and family.”
The influential halfback shrugged off praise this week, shining the spotlight on Taumalolo instead.
“He was instrumental against the Sharks,”
Townsend said. “The way he led by example, the way he carried, how many minutes he played, his efforts in defence, and also that try at the end of regular time was amazing. “I’ve played against him pretty much for the last 10 years, my whole career, so I’m very happy he’s on my team now.”
Taumalolo wants his teammates to soak in the experience of playing finals football in front of a sold-out home crowd.
“For a lot of these guys, it’s their first finals game here at home in Townsville, and I just want them to enjoy it just as much as I have during my career,” Taumalolo said.
“It’s a good occasion to be a part of.”