The ‘next SBW’ North Queensland Cowboys giant Jason Taumalolo let loose

THE man burdened with “the next Sonny Bill Williams” tag, Jason Taumalolo, has been unleashed and given a licence to roam.

TOWNSVILLE, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 02: Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys is tackled by Luke Bailey and Greg Bird of the Titans during the round 21 NRL match between the North Queensland Cowboys and the Gold Coast Titans at 1300SMILES Stadium on August 2, 2014 in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

NRL clubs be afraid, Jason Taumalolo has been unleashed.

The rampaging 112kg, 191cm backrower has been given a licence to roam in his new position of lock.

Taumalolo had his best game of the season in the Cowboys’ demolition of the Gold Coast.

It was his first game at lock since his debut NRL season in 2011.

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The fact Taumalolo is now fit enough to play in the middle of the ruck is testament to his work ethic and the Cowboys’ coaching staff.

The man burdened with “the next Sonny Bill Williams” tag was viewed as a pure impact weapon until Paul Green arrived in Townsville.

Green turned him into an 80 minute backrower and now he is a workhorse lock.

Taumalolo had 17 runs for 167m and 21 tackles.

Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys is tackled.

He revealed he struggled with the extra work rate but relished the opportunity to roam free.

“I was blowing after a few runs,” he said.

“I just had to do a job there.

“It is like backrow but I can run wherever I want.

“We were just short of a lock and Greeny thought I would suit that position.

“It was one of my better games so far.

“I think we can be better in a few areas and the boys know that.

“We are not getting too far ahead of ourselves.”

Green said he had not decided if Taumalolo would remain at lock but was impressed with his debut in the position.

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Taumalolo playing in the middle of the field meant Gavin Cooper returned from injury on his natural left edge partnering with Johnathan Thurston.

“I’ll have a good look at the game and just get the balance right with the team,” Green said.

“I thought (Taumalolo) was a real handful through the middle there when we moved him to the middle.

“Coops was outstanding tonight. He came back a week early from a pretty major injury.

“It shows he’s pretty committed to what we want to do this year.”

Cowboys Jason Taumalolo makes a break.

Cooper’s early return from a hip injury is quite remarkable given it is among the most frustrating injuries to rehabilitate.

Cooper had a secret weapon though, the impending birth of son Archie.

“It has been a long 11 weeks on the sidelines. It is good to come back into a winning team,” he said.

“I had something to take my mind off it, I was expecting a young one.

“There were a few boys who did some real serious injuries around my time.

“There was light at the end of tunnel for me.

“It was good to be back on the left edge. The lungs still need a bit of work.

“Hopefully now I will get six games before the end of the season and we will see where we are sitting.”