North Queensland Cowboys 2021: Jason Taumalolo, Michael Morgan named co-captains for 2021 season

Todd Payten has wasted no time choosing his new Cowboys leaders, going with co-captains for the first time since Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott.

New Cowboys coach Todd Payten has wasted no time in appointing his captains for the 2021 season, naming both Michael Morgan and Jason Taumalolo as co-captains.

It will be the first official NRL captaincy tag for Taumalolo – who has been part of the club’s leadership team for several years and a stand-in skipper on a number of occasions over the past two seasons.

The 27-year-old is one of the Cowboys most respected players, having played in two grand finals, taking out the 2016 Dally M Player of the Year and named North Queensland’s Player of the Year on five consecutive occasions.

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Jason Taumalolo will join Michael Morgan as co-captain for the Cowboys in 2021. Picture: Getty Images.

Morgan has been the club‘s sole captain since the 2019 season, taking the reins from club greats Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott.

Payten said the move to appoint the club‘s human wrecking ball as co-captain will allow Morgan more opportunity to focus on himself.

“The decision to promote Jason along with Michael will allow Michael to put more focus on his individual preparation and performance,“ he said.
“Both men have a connection built over a long period of time within our system.

“They know what success looks like and have the trust of all our players and staff to lead us moving forward.”

Jason Taumalolo has filled in at captain before but this will be his first time as an official Cowboys’ captain. Picture: Cowboys Media.

Payten said it would also benefit Taumalolo and his performance on the field.

“Jason has always led by his actions and with this decision I expect him to be more vocal in meetings, on the training park and in games,“ he said.

“When he speaks everyone listens.

“I could tell he relished the responsibility when he captained the side last year and his performances reflected that.”