Cowboys tell Jason Taumalolo to grow up after his role in the egg-throwing saga

COWBOYS coach Paul Green copped the brunt of NRL boss Todd Greenberg’s frustration over the egg-throwing allegations that have marred North Queensland’s title defence.

COWBOYS coach Paul Green has copped the brunt of NRL boss Todd Greenberg’s frustration over the egg-throwing allegations that have marred North Queensland’s title defence.

North Queensland hierarchy warned Jason Taumalolo to grow up after his role in a puerile off-field incident that saw five Cowboys players charged by police.

Cowboys young gun Kalyn Ponga, Samoan international Tautau Moga, prop Braden Uele and under-20s halfback Jake Clifford also joined Taumalolo in the egg-throwing farce.

The Courier-Mail understands Greenberg was privately furious at the latest ruction to hit the code following the Andrew Fifita and James Roberts scandals in the past month.

Taumalolo’s eggy antics left the club a little disappointed.

Green publicly attempted to put the incident in perspective as the Cowboys arrived in Melbourne for Saturday night’s semi-final against the Storm.

But Greenberg was less than pleased with the ‘Eggheads’ scandal and conveyed his displeasure when Green contacted him on Thursday morning to report the incident to the NRL boss.

The Cowboys have been asked to provide a report to the NRL along with a recommended penalty, which must be rubber-stamped by the NRL integrity unit.

A spokesman for the NRL said it was disappointing to have another distraction involving player behaviour in the lead up to the finals.

“The fans are keen to see and read about their favourite team — not incidents like this,” the spokesman said.

Just three days ago, Taumalolo revealed his ambition to one day captain the Cowboys after being chosen to represent the club at the NRL’s finals launch.

“It’s definitely something I’d like to strive for later in my career if I ever get the chance to,” he said.

“There’s definitely a lot of responsibility. I’m building myself slowly to be a leader.”

But the Kiwi Test star was left with egg on his face yesterday after being one of five Cowboys charged by police for an egging incident in Townsville on Wednesday night.

The group have been charged with two counts of wilful damage and will appear in Townsville Magistrates Court on October 11 — nine days after the NRL grand final.

But The Courier-Mail understands Taumalolo and his colleagues may be hit with more charges by police for smashing a car windscreen amid their egg-throwing antics.

Taumalolo was chosen to represent the club at the finals launch in Sydney.

Taumalolo arrived in Melbourne on Thursday with the Cowboys squad and while he will not be stood down, chairman Laurence Lancini said the group faced possible sanctions.

“Anything that causes a problem for the community is a problem and unacceptable, so it’s disappointing,” Lancini said.

“It’s not the crime of the century but they shouldn’t do these sorts of things. They have to grow up and be smarter than that, especially Jason who is a key part of our NRL squad.

“The best thing for Jason and the others involved would be to face the (victims) and go cap in hand to apologise for the stupid things they have done.”

The Cowboys are keen to put the silliness behind them and focus on the game.

Cowboys coach Green vowed to undertake a thorough investigation.

“Once we get to the bottom of the facts, will make some decisions about what happens when we get back next week,” he said.

“It’s disappointing if it does turn out to be true as it’s not what we are about as a club, but as I said in the whole scheme of things we are talking about an egging here and let’s keep it in context.

“Back when I was the same age, I probably would have been as much trouble as these boys, if it does turn out to be true.”