YOU CAN’T ASK THAT

IT is the final round of the NRL season and for Cowboys fans, that means the end of another tough season. A year of promise that went down the drain faster than ‘The Hammer’ covers 100m.

But as is tradition, leading into to the final game of the year, and evividently the off-season, Townsville lle Bulletin sports editor Matthew ew Elkerton asks the burning quesestions on fans’ minds.

WILL TAUMINATOR RISE?

Let’s face it, Jason Taumalolo

has had a poor season. But that is likely only by his lofty standards.

After copping criticism from Todd Payten for his lack of effort late in the Cowboys’ first round loss, Taumalolo has been dogged by questions of loyalty as well as a horror run with hand injuries.

But between all the drama has been his output. Taumalolo is averaging his fewest metres per game (143.5) since the 2014 season and he is averaging under two tackle busts per game for the first time since he made his debut as a 17-year-old in 2010.

The captaincy appears to be weighing heavily on his mind and the Cowboys forward needs the freedom to get back to what he does best. Being destructive.