He's signed the richest deal in the history of the NRL and Jason Taumalolo will be one of the players to usher in a new generation of Cowboys.
Players like Coen Hess, Patrick Kaufusi and Sam Hoare are breaking into the NRL this year, and they'll look to Taumalolo for advice, leadership and powerful performances. Taumalolo spoke about this during the press conference on Wednesday.
"I think I'm more excited about the opportunities ahead. Playing alongside some future generation players 'Hessy' (Coen Hess) and Gideon [Gela-Mosby] coming through on his debut this week," Taumalolo said.
"It will be exciting to see players like that grow and eventually fill their potential. And to be playing alongside guys I've started the journey with, Michael Morgan and Kyle Feldt."
Taumalolo is also looking forward to being a one-club player, an exclusive achievement throughout the NRL.
"To be playing for a club for the rest of my career is obviously a big one for me. Not many players can say that they can do that."
Tauamlolo's contract has other consequences for the young wrecking ball. Whether he likes it or not, he will inevitably become a player that young Cowboys – both forwards and backs – will look up to in the future.
Up-and-coming players like Marcus Jensen, Cooper Bambling and Gela-Mosby will inevitably look to Taumalolo for leadership and direction, as well as powerful runs, in the future.
Cowboys coach Paul Green spoke about the importance of Taumalolo's signing during his statement on Wednesday, shortly after the deal was made official.
"This is one of the most significant resigning in the club's history. It is both an acknowledgement of Jason's current ability and his future potential," Green said.
"It shows that as a club we're a place where marquee players like Jason feel that they can continue to improve."
The deal also offers stability to the Cowboys, with the knowledge that one of the most devastating players in the game will be playing for them in the future.
"He's a key player in the game, he's a key player in our club and I think having that long-term future secured for him allows us to plan long-term and build a team around him."
A 10-year deal isn't without its risks and over such a long time period there will undoubtedly be speed bumps.
Form and injury are probably the two biggest issues that the Cowboys had to consider, but given Taumalolo's improvement over the last two year alone, it seems that he'll only improve over the near future.
"I think Jason's proved his consistency, particularly in recent seasons so I don't see that as an issue. He's certainly committed to the club," Green said.
"I think we're going to see his best effort every time he takes the field."
