COWBOYS’ DEAL A REAL STEAL
WHEN Paul Green and Jason Taumalolo fronted the media to confirm the forward’s 10- year mega deal this week, both looked like the cat that got the cream.
Debate has raged about who has got the best of the longest deal in NRL history, but it was clear both sides were pretty content with their lot. Like the picture the Townsville Bulletin snapped of the suspended lock at last week’s Manly game, Taumalolo can break out the popcorn because he need not worry about anything more in his career again than playing great football.
The deal is a huge risk. Both parties concede as much.
But as I wrote earlier in the week, when a professional punter weighs up what to bet on and how much they’ll outlay, the risks and potential rewards are weighed up and the Cowboys are no different.
Whether the $ 1 million a year price tag is accurate is up for debate but if so, many believe the 23- yearold has potentially cost himself several million dollars over the journey.
What’s been overlooked is he’s sacrificed potential earnings when the TV rights are up for grabs again for security.
Regardless of what happens from here he’s guaranteed the money, regardless of whether his body holds up to injury or not, or if his form plateaus at the back end of the deal.
It will also make it easier for his management to secure third- party deals given local companies know for certain he’ll be wearing the Cowboys jersey for the rest of his career. The potential endorsements the reigning Dally M medallist can command will only be greater once Cowboys talisman Johnathan Thurston retires, possibly after next season.
Sure, Taumalolo may well have been able to command more money later in his career if he maintains or improves the form which has established him as the best young forward in the game.
But what he’s sacrificed in that area, he’s been compensated for in longevity and security. Likewise, the Cowboys aren’t about to pay up to $ 1.5 million a year over a decade, which would just be bad business.
It wouldn’t surprise if the Cowboys took that into account and decided if they can squeeze at least seven full seasons out of Taumalolo over the next 10 years, it’s money well spent. Any more than that, and it turns into a steal.
The deal is also a recruitment bargaining chip for the club. There’s no doubt Taumalolo staying long term would have been a factor rising Melbourne prop Jordan McLean ( above) took into consideration before he agreed to become a Cowboy for the next three years.
The best want to play with the best and Taumalolo is one of the game’s elite.
Should Thurston retire as expected at the end of 2018, there should be quality halves falling over themselves to play behind a young and quality pack like that. Throw in Matt Scott who is expected to recommit to North Queensland for another two years, and it’s hard for playmakers to turn down.
As a Kiwi, Taumalolo also doesn’t play State of Origin. This can’t be overstated for two reasons — he won’t miss any games through rep duties for the Cowboys, but his body also won’t be subject to the wear and tear which takes its toll over the years.
As for those worried Taumalolo might get too comfortable on such a long deal and lose motivation, I can’t see it happening. The man is a competitor. Cast your mind back to two weeks ago, when the Cowboys outlasted the Broncos in another golden point epic at Suncorp Stadium. After playing 80 minutes of the most brutal football we’ve ever witnessed, Taumalolo still found the energy and desperation to get off the Cowboys line and charge down an Anthony Milford field goal attempt.
A few minutes later he made two trademark runs in a set, skittling Broncos to all parts to put Thurston into position to slot the matchwinner.
That’s a bloke who wants to win, who is willing to take on a leadership role and take responsibility. He could easily have said “I’ve done enough here, it’s someone else’s problem” after running for well over 200m, but that’s not in his make- up.
He’s learned the art of competing and desperation from his fellow JT, and that’s why I believe the Cowboys have secured themselves a bargain.