Almost 16 seasons after making his NRL debut as a 17-year-old, Jason Taumalolo will stand alone as North Queensland’s most capped player when he enters the field to take on Parramatta.
Last week against the Bulldogs, the 'other' JT draw level with Cowboys legend Johnathan Thurston on 294 games for the club, playing a key part in a rare milestone match win for the Tongan titan.
“It's a huge honour to be able to achieve a milestone like this, let alone at one club and breaking Johnno’s record," Taumalolo said.
“I've played here since I was 17, came through the Toyota Cup system and fingers crossed, I'd like to finish here as a one-club player.
“I've spent pretty much most of my life here in Townsville, North Queensland, so it would be a huge honour to be able to finish my career (here).
“I played my first game a few years ago, but I had a few moments there where I thought I wouldn't get here, but here I am.
“It's been very long and grateful journey to get to 295 games … still only a few more games until I hit 300, but for now, I'm happy to be where I am at the moment and to take the field on Friday night …
“To be the most capped Cowboys player, it hasn't hit me to be honest, so I'm sure on Friday night before the game it'll definitely feel different …”
Outside of the NRL, Taumalolo’s impact has been felt across the Pacific, with the effect of his decision to switch his international allegiance from New Zealand to return to Tonga still reverberating through the game today.
His coach at the international level Kristian Woolf has known Taumalolo since he was 13 and coached him in the Under 20s competition where the Cowboys made the 2011 grand final, narrowly losing to the Warriors.
“Really, really proud to see that for Jase,” Woolf said.
“I've known Jason since he was 13 years old. I watched him grow from a young boy with a bit of ratbag in him; coached him through the 20s – he actually played for me in the 20s when he was still 16 years old and played a lot of footy in that competition ...
"I was there the day he made his debut against the Bulldogs.
“He got pulled out of our change room as he was getting ready to play … first grade got an injury and he ended up playing that day.
“I've had the privilege of watching him ... grow into a man, and into a man who's a very strong man and a very strong leader and a great influence for that club.
“The influence that he's had on Tonga, the Tongan players and Tongan Rugby League, but international footy as well, it's been outstanding to see.
“Everyone jokes that he's the king of Tonga and he's not quite the king, but he's not far off it.
“Everyone loves seeing him. Everyone loves seeing him in the flesh, everyone gravitates to him, wants to be around him, wants to touch him.
“They're scenes that I've been privileged to see and things that I'll always remember as well.”
At Queensland Country Bank Stadium, the Cowboys are looking to claim their third win on the trot at home, with Dearden saying it was important to perform well for their team-mate.
“We know the significance of this game with Jase breaking the club record," Dearden said.
“He's one of the greatest players of all time and one of the greatest players to play for the Cowboys; and for him to break this record, it's a special occasion.
“Jason's been a bit unlucky with all his milestone games, so we want to make it a memorable one.
“I think after everything he's done for the Cowboys and the North Queensland community, we owe it to have a really good win for him on Friday night in front of a packed out stadium.
“He's a special team mate.
“I think he's one of the greatest players that I've ever been able to play with.
“You look at all the accolades he's got, but I think what makes him such a great leader is how humble he is.
"He just gets out there and goes about his business and I think in big moments, he's always put the team on his back.
“That's what makes him such a great team mate, and we want to make it a special one for him on Friday night."
This year, Taumalolo is enjoying a resurgence in form, with his body feeling better after surgery to clean out his knees and a revamped approach to his role.
“The last few years you, you admire his toughness and what he put his body through to get on the field each week," Dearden said.
"People ... wouldn't understand what he had to go through and what he had to put his body through, to be on the field each week.
“And now that he's got the body back feeling good and he's got the knees cleaned out, he's back to his best.
“You just see each week how influential Jase is to our team and he leads by example and he leads from the front.
“It's great to see him back playing some good footy, and he's been instrumental for us this year.”
Match: Cowboys v Eels
Round 10 -
home Team
Cowboys
6th Position
away Team
Eels
15th Position
Venue: Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville
Match broadcasters:
- WatchNRL
