North Queensland’s Jason Taumalolo has been given the inexperienced mild to launch his boxing profession by the Cowboys.
Cowboys chief govt Jeff Reibel mentioned the membership wouldn’t stand in Taumalolo’s means and are eager see the star ahead keep his health within the ring.
“It’s great for Jason to do something he is passionate about,” Reibel instructed The Courier-Mail.
“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.
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“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.”
Plans are afoot for an NRL Fight Night after the season ends, and Taumalolo has been mooted as a attainable drawcard alongside Roosters hooker Victor Radley.
Taumalolo’s hometown of Townsville hosted an NRL All Stars Fight Night in 2021, headlined by Josh Papalii and Junior Paulo, and Reibel can be open to returning.
“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 mentioned.
“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.”
The Sydney Morning Herald just lately reported that Taumalolo’s monster $9 million deal doesn’t have a ‘ratchet clause’, which might have subsequently seen his wage enhance because the wage cap elevated by way of Collective Bargaining Agreements.
Taumalolo himself is “not too fussed” on the additional cash, nonetheless.
“I’m at the halfway of my contract and I’ve enjoyed every part of it,” he mentioned.
“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.”
For Cowboys head coach Todd Payten, Taumalolo is already value each penny.
“He’s been the best middle forward in the game for nearly a decade — if he’s not the best, he’s in the top three year after year,” Payten instructed the Herald.
“He’s won our player of the year six times.
“He plays big minutes as a middle forward, and middle forwards don’t play their best footy until they hit 28, 29 and 30, which is the age Jase is now at.
“I still marvel at the way he can move, change direction, and the speed he has off the mark when he is flat-footed.
“For someone who is north of 115kg, it’s quite extraordinary – he can move just as quickly sideways as he can forwards.”
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
