KERNEL TAUMALOLO

NOTHING like an endorsement from the NRL’s $ 10- million man to get your product popping on a national scale — just ask Townsville’s popcorn king Steve Collins.

The Popcorn Kingdom owner’s product was thrust into the national spotlight this week after Jason Taumalolo was snapped chugging down a large $ 10 bag of the salted caramel flavour during the Cowboys’ loss to the Manly Sea Eagles. Taumalolo is on the sidelines after being suspended for two weeks for a shoulder charge.

The pic was printed in newspapers nationally and went viral after Taumalolo became a “Cowboy for life” inking a 10year with the North Queensland club.

The photo was shared on the National Rugby League Facebook page where it’s so far has 5100 likes, 75 shares and 214 hilarious comments from fans.

“He looks like he is really enjoying it in the pics he is really woofing it down and it was just great to see,” Steve said.

“It’s good for his waistline too because it’s a healthy snack that is completely fat- free, nut- free, dairy- free and completely vegan airpopped popcorn.”

For Steve ( right), who has a stall at the western end of the field, it’s an incredible product placement. His treats are made from Australian- grown corn kernels, Americanised in a unique “kettle corn” air- popped cooking system fresh on- site. There are five flavours — plain, salted caramel, nacho cheese, chocolate and salt’n’vinegar.

“I’ve brought a telescopic arm so I can go through the crowd and flick popcorn bags to customers so they don’t have to get out of their seat,” Steve said. “The arm just extends to them — it’s a bit Inspector Gadget and everyone loved it.”