NRL wrecking ball Jason Taumalolo set to star in a new sport – and he has the full BLESSING of the North Queensland Cowboys
Former Dally M winner is contracted for 10 years
Previously worked out for NFL clubs
Has been given permission to try new sport
By Josh Alston For Daily Mail Australia
Published: | Updated:
North Queensland Cowboys enforcer Jason Taumalolo is set to follow in the footsteps of former players Sonny Bill Williams and Paul Gallen and try his hand in the boxing ring.
And the star forward has the full blessing of his club, with his professional debut to come as soon as this year.
There are plans in motion for an NRL Fight Night to take place once the season comes to a close, and it has been suggested that Taumalolo, along with Roosters hooker Victor Radley, could be a popular attraction.
Taumalolo comes from Townsville, which hosted an NRL All Stars Fight Night in 2021 with Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo as the main event, and the regional city has expressed interest in hosting another one.
Cowboys boss Jeff Reibel also stated that the team will not hinder Taumalolo’s participation and is eager to see him stay in shape by competing in the ring.
‘It’s great for Jason to do something he is passionate about,’ Reibel told The Courier-Mail.
Taumalolo has been given permission by the North Queensland Cowboys to try his hand at a boxing career outside of footy
Taumalolo takes on the defence during the NRL Trial Match between the Brisbane Broncos and the North Queensland Cowboys
‘Jason has come to us a few times now expressing his desire to fight, and this year shapes as the perfect opportunity to test himself in the ring.
‘There is no Test football post-season, so subject to Jase getting through the season and not having any injuries, we’ve given him the green light to fight.
‘We’ve seen how explosive Jason is on the footy field, so if he can transfer those skills to the ring, it would be a great sight for fans.
‘It could be here in Townsville which is great if we can have another major event in the city and Jase could headline the card in front of his local community,’ he said.
‘It’s something he has wanted to do for a while and the boxing training keeps another focus around his fitness as well in the off-season.
‘There was a fight night a few years ago here in Townsville and it was a good event, so we’re fully supportive of Jason fighting.’
It is not the first time that Taumalolo has tried his hand at another sport.
Taumalolo and Siosiua Taukeiaho of Tonga line up for the national anthems before the International Test Match between the New Zealand Kiwis and Tonga at Mt Smart Stadium
In 2016, the Tongan star worked out with 14 NFL teams along with Valentine Holmes.
‘They showed a lot of strength and balance,’ a Philadelphia Eagles scout said at the time.
‘They are big, strong athletes.
‘The balance, strength, body control, the change in direction, they have that.
‘Their discipline today was outstanding.’
Cooper Cronk of the Melbourne Storm and Jason Taumalolo of the North Queensland Cowboys pose after being announced joint winners of the 2016 Dally M Medal
Boxing would also be another way for Taumalolo to boost his income, as his 10-year, $1million a season contract with the Cowboys does not have a ratchet clause.
That means his pay does not go up, even if the salary cap rises.
But the Cowboys star recently told the Sydney Morning Herald that it wasn’t all about money.
‘I’m at the halfway of my contract and I’ve enjoyed every part of it,’ he said.
‘I enjoy being a part of this club and this region.
‘Obviously with the cap going up, that means there will be more room for guys who have come through the ranks to stay here.
‘It’s good to see young talent stay here.
‘It’s great for the club because it keeps our premiership window open.’
