All Blacks rejected by Cowboys’ giant
JASON Taumalolo has revealed he rejected an offer to play for the All Blacks and says his relationship with Cowboys coach Todd Payten is so strong he wants to finish his career in North Queensland.
Taumalolo rubbished rumours of a rift with Payten and detailed his shock opportunity to defect to rugby union as the Cowboys wrecking ball prepares for Saturday night’s qualifying final against Cronulla at Shark Park.
While Taumalolo will run out against the Sharks as North Queensland’s most dangerous forward, the Tongan torpedo says he reached a career crossroads in 2017 when New Zealand rugby attempted a poaching raid.
The All Blacks already had one NRL superstar, Sonny Bill Williams, on their books and they reached out to Taumalolo about a code switch to spearhead New Zealand’s 2019 World Cup campaign.
The Auckland-born Taumalolo instead opted to ink a record 10-year deal with a Cowboys club he dreams of leading to a second premiership this season.
“I had some interest to go to rugby union,” said Taumalolo, who plays his 235th game for the Cowboys in Saturday’s qualifying final. “Being born in New Zealand, rugby is a massive sport in that country and I used to watch the All Blacks all the time as a kid. Growing up, I played both rugby league and rugby union, but when I moved to Townsville (as a 13year-old) I had to make a choice, so I went with league.
“Part of the reason I signed my big deal was to show my commitment to the Cowboys. The All Blacks are a great team, but I’ve got a lot of memories in Townsville, my life is here, and there’s more I want to achieve at the Cowboys.”
At times, Taumalolo has copped criticism over his monster 10-year deal, which is worth just shy of $10m.
There is a view the 29year-old has become complacent but Taumalolo has hit back this season with his best form since leading the Cowboys to the 2017 grand final.
While his average of 151 running metres per game this season is down on his mark of 205m in the Cowboys’ grandfinal charge, Taumalolo has added ball-playing finesse to his armoury under Payten. In his debut as Cowboys coach last year, Payten sensationally lashed Taumalolo’s defensive attitude in a 24-0 loss to Penrith.
But Taumalolo says Payten’s hard line approach is the reason the Cowboys are back in premiership contention this season – and it has made him a better player.
“I get on great with Todd,” Taumalolo said. “People made a lot of what he said about me but … I respected his honesty.
“I would rather get honest feedback than hear nothing at all.”