North Queensland back rower Jason Taumalolo says Sonny Bill comparison affected his game

JASON Taumalolo admits being labelled “the next Sonny Bill” affected his performance as expectation froze him.

NORTH Queensland juggernaut Jason Taumalolo has admitted being labelled “The next Sonny Bill” affected his performance as expectation froze him on the big stage.

While he skittles defenders with ease and runs faster than most backs, nerves and a fear of not meeting the hype cruelled Taumalolo’s form during the past two years.

It is easy to forget the 110 kilogram second-rower is still just 20 years old, a baby in terms of forwards.

As a 16-year-old his name was splashed across the nation as Sonny Bill Williams take two, as it emerged he turned down a $100,000-a-season offer from an NRL rivals to pledge his future to North Queensland.

Four years later that promise is yet to be met.

However, there has been enough glimpses in the past six months to prove Taumalolo will make his own mark on the NRL.

He was sensational in the Cowboys’ trial win over Brisbane last Saturday night, scoring a try, making a 40 metre line break and setting up two tries with enormous hit-ups and quick play the balls.

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The Auckland native was also brilliant in the Cowboys’ end-of-year winning streak before taking his form to the Mackay Cutters and winning a grand final.

The gentle giant with golden teeth told The Courier-Mail the pressure to live up to the hype made him too tense.

“It did in a way. Everyone expected more of me and obviously that didn’t go to plan,” he said.

“This year there isn’t much hype towards me.

“I feel relieved. I feel relaxed that people aren’t expecting really big things from me.”

Taumalolo played only 14 of a possible 25 games for the Cowboys last season.

It was meant to be his breakout year.

He still starred in patches but at other times faded into the background of the contest.

Taumalolo said the host of veteran players at the Cowboys had now instilled the work ethic required for him to be a first grader.

News_Image_File: Jason Taumalolo and Scott Bolton. Photo: Evan Morgan

“Talent can only get you so far in the game,” Taumalolo told The Courier-Mail.

“You have to work hard… always.

“I have learned that trait off the older boys. They are more consistent than me and I learned you need to bring your A game every week.

“I feel good. I’m looking forward to trying to prove my worth to the coach.

“My size doesn’t help me either. I’m trying to work towards playing a full 80 minutes.

“I want to be an 80 minute backrower.”

Taumalolo said his form revival late last year came because he did not want to let his team mates down.

It is an attitude he is taking into this season.

“Heading towards the finals, everyone was playing good footy and I didn’t want to come in and let the boys down,” he said.

“I knew I had to step up and hopefully I can bring that form to this year.”