Fired up North Queensland coach Todd Payten had a blunt message for any membership sniffing round deposed membership captain Jason Taumalolo.
The Cowboys raised eyebrows after the choice to axe $10 million man Taumalolo and Chad Townsend from the membership’s co-captaincy.
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They have opted as a substitute for younger weapons Tom Dearden, 22, and Reuben Cotter, 25, to paved the way for the approaching marketing campaign.
Amid hypothesis new Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was within the Tongan wrecking ball, Payten didn’t mince phrases, as reported by The Courier Mail.
“I kind of expected this stuff,” Payten stated of the Taumalolo switch speak.
“I knew this narrative would happen once the (leadership) call was made. It is predictable and somewhat amusing really.
“But I can assure you of this – Jason will not be at any other club. That won’t happen on my watch. He is happy here and staying here.
“Whoever is pushing this agenda is off the mark. It’s laughable to be honest.”
Since his rise to the captaincy place three years in the past, Taumalolo has endured a tough stretch.
Injuries have been a significant factor for a participant as soon as thought-about one of the best ahead within the sport.
Turning 31 in May this yr, there are issues he can have the flexibility to see out his contract, which extends by means of 2027.
But he’s stated to be in excellent form getting into his fifteenth season and whereas Payten admitted Taumalolo was gutted by the demotion, he has dealt with it effectively.
“Jase was surprised by the decision, but he understood why it was made,” Payten stated.
“He was disappointed naturally, but I expected both he and Chad to be disappointed.
“Since then, he has shown great humility around the decision, around his actions and how important it is for him to work with the new leaders and the rest of the group.”
Coming off a house preliminary ultimate loss in 2022, the Cowboys completed a disappointing eleventh final season with simply 12 wins from 24 matches.
Source web site: www.foxsports.com.au
