Taumalolo denies unrest over coach

Townsville: North Queensland superstar Jason Taumalolo has denied claims of player unrest in Townsville and says he’s committed to fulfilling his monster 10year contract with the NRL club. It comes after rookie coach Todd Payten endured a tough opening month to life in the role, losing the opening four games of the season before a circuit breaker victory over Wests Tigers on Sunday. Taumalolo was forced to watch that win from the sidelines as he races to overcome a hand injury. But before that, the $1 million forward had plenty of other problems to worry about.

He was publicly called out by Payten after Round 1 for some poor defensive efforts.

Speaking to foxsports.com.au, Taumalolo set the record straight. “Me and Toddy are sweet,” he said.

“I’ve known Toddy for a few years now, he was here five or six years ago when he was assistant coach to Paul Green.

“Me and Toddy have been good mates since then. I know what he’s like as a coach.

“Everyone sees what he’s like now, he’s pretty up front and straight to the point. I’m all for it. “He knows that we can be honest with him too. Like he’s said before, it’s a two-way street with how we communicate and I guess that’s the only way we can get better, with that approach to criticism and the way we hold ourselves as a team.”

The rumours out of Townsville heated up when Taumalolo and fellow star Valentine Holmes were spotted meeting with their agent at a cafe.

But Taumalolo says he plans to play every season of the whopping 10-year contract he signed, which still has seven seasons to run.-Fox