Coach of the North Queensland Cowboys, Todd Payten, has spoken out regarding the speculation that Jason Taumalolo is leaving the team and might sign with another NRL team.
There was a lot of conjecture regarding whether the Cowboys would let him go after he was removed from his position as the team’s co-captain in favor of Tom Dearden and Reuben Cotter.
The rumors would then pick up steam when it was disclosed that Taumalolo’s management had turned down the St George Illawarra Dragons’ shocking approach to sign him in an attempt to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
Payten, however, has spoken out about the matter and is adamant that the Tongan international will not leave the North Queensland Cowboys or be let go by the team.
Taumalolo, who signed a lucrative 10-year contract with the club that would last until the end of the 2027 season, has struggled during his time there; his only notable accomplishment is the 2022 Preliminary Final.
Regarding the discussion surrounding Taumalolo’s transfer following his captaincy call, Payten told The Courier Mail, “I kind of expected this stuff.”
“I knew this story would come to pass—Taumalolo being offloaded by the Cowboys—as soon as I placed the call.
It’s actually kind of funny and predictable. However, one thing I can guarantee is that Jason won’t be at any other club.
“Under my direction, that will not occur. Here, he is content to stay. The person advancing this agenda is misguided.
It’s absurd, to tell the truth.
Taumalolo and the Cowboys are expected to honor the Townsville deal until the end of 2027. As a result, the forward, who has already scored 252 goals in 252 games, is likely to end his career as a single-club player.
