NRL fans lose it at Jason Taumalolo’s love for his dog

He’s one of the hardest hitters in the NRL but Jason Taumalolo proved he has a heart of gold ahead of the Cowboys’ clash with the Knights.

Jason Taumalolo recorded his 201st NRL appearance on Thursday night and the barnstorming forward brought a special someone along to celebrate — his dog.

A smiling Taumalolo ran out to an adoring crowd at Queensland Country Bank Stadium ahead of his side’s clash with the Knights.

Friends and family stood near the sideline, cheering JT on as he ran, but one guest proved most magnetic for the representative star.

Taumalolo B-lined for his dog, giving the puppy an enthusiastic pat before kissing his partner and charging onto the field.

“It’s a family get-together that includes the trusty pooch as well,” said Fox League commentator Andrew Voss in his call of the game.

Taumalolo’s love for his four-legged buddy warmed the hearts of social media users ahead of the round 11 opener.

Taumalolo running out in his milestone game and going straight to his dog....my new favourite player now haha 😍😄 #NRLCowboysKnights

— Mathew (@Brooma_23) May 20, 2021

I’d like to request an isolated camera on Jason Taumalolo’s dog for the game please #NRLCowboysKnights

— Christopher Reive (@ChrisReive) May 20, 2021

More dogs for celebrations please 🥰 #NRLCowboysKnights

— Hayley (@Hayleyyemma) May 20, 2021

JT’s dog gets a start on the field tonight! How nice is that?! #NRLCowboysKnights

— ⚡️💜 Sami; 💜💪🏻 (@StormFanSami) May 20, 2021

Taumalolo's pooch has stolen the show.

Rugby League Immortal Andrew Johns fears a State of Origin match or grand final will be ruined by the NRL’s relentless high-shot crackdown after a decimated North Queensland clawed their way back to overpower Newcastle 36-20 in Townsville on Thursday night.

The Cowboys were leading 16-6 when first Jason Taumalolo and then Lachlan Burr were sent to the sin-bin for high tackles in the first half, leaving the home side with 11 men for several minutes.

By the time they returned, the Knights had drawn level at 16-all and hit the lead for the first time early in the second half.

Once back to 13 players, the Cowboys steadied to snuff out the comeback, but Knights legend Johns is fearful for the game’s future if there is no let-up by referees.

Taumalolo, Burr and young Cowboys forward Heilum Luki all finished on report for high tackles as the zero tolerance level set during Magic Round continued.

With a touch of sarcasm, Joey said: “A great performance from the Knights to come back (in the first half) … and a great performance from (referee) Ashley Klein.

“(Sin-bins) take the whole contest out of the game.

“I felt deflated. If someone loses an Origin or a grand final (because of the crackdown) … I don’t know what to say.

“It’s a brutal game. I’m sitting here scratching my head.”

But NSW coach Brad Fittler is on the other page, warning slow-learning teams would continue to pay the price if they didn’t get on-board the NRL’s campaign.

“Disciple is the absolute key. The Cowboys had control of the game and in a blink of the eye Newcastle scored three tries,” he said.

North Queensland quickly regained control when they were at full strength, scoring 20 unanswered points to run away with a vital victory.

Winger Murray Taulagi finished with a hat-trick of tries, with debutant Luki grabbing the match-sealer minutes from full-time.

The Cowboys are into the top eight. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

KNIGHT FIGHT

The Knights went into the game with just one win in a month and question marks over their character and commitment.

O’Brien even went as far to suggest losing was ingrained in the club’s DNA following years of mediocrity.

Johns was on board with the comments.

“When the club started in 1988, there were certain standards put in place,” Joey said.

“That was to be tough and tackle hard – I’m not sure those standards are still in the club.

“Something is missing. For a coach to say there’s a losing culture, it’s worrying.

“He’s seen stuff he doesn’t like.”

While the result didn’t go his way, O’Brien would have been pleased with what he saw from his players as they clawed their way back from a dreadful start to make a game of it.

The Knights looked headed for a hiding when they conceded three soft tries to trail 16-0 after 18 minutes, but this time they refused to fold.

Yes, they scored two tries while the Cowboys had players in the bin.

But they were good enough to take advantage.

The Knights led for a short period in the second half and showed enough in defeat to suggest their season is far from over, especially when Kalyn Ponga and Mitchell Pearce return.

RIGHT AT HOLMES

Val Holmes would love to play Newcastle every day of the week.

The Cowboys No. 1 is now nine from nine against the Knights, scoring tries in eight straight games – and 14 overall – against his favourite rival.

To cap off a memorable evening, Holmes swept past 500 NRL points.

The Queensland star is looking in ominous form weeks out from the start of the 2021 Origin series.

Originally published as NRL fans lose it at Jason Taumalolo’s love for his dog