Rapper Yung Maynie, A.K.A Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, given final chance to save NRL career

A four-time All Stars enforcer has been thrown an NRL lifeline by North Queensland, 467 days after his last appearance. Find out how the 27-year-old middle forward can revive his rugby league career.

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown of the Cowboys is tackled during the round nine NRL match between Cronulla Sharks and North Queensland Cowboys at PointsBet Stadium on April 27, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Barnstorming middle forward Jamayne Taunoa-Brown has been thrown an NRL lifeline by North Queensland 467 days after his last appearance.

Taunoa-Brown will have an opportunity to prove his body is once again ready to handle the rigours of first grade during a pre-season training block with the Cowboys.

The Victorian rapper-turned-rugby league star – who goes by stage name Yung Mayney – was dealt a double injury blow earlier this year when the surgery to repair his ruptured achilles tendon failed.

A second surgery in April was more successful, beginning the prop’s long road to recovery.

North Queensland confirmed the 27-year-old middle would be given an opportunity to join the Cowboys for the pre-season and prove to coaching staff that his body is ready to return to one of the toughest arenas on the planet.

Jamayne Taunoa-Brown A.K.A Yung Maynie performing at FLNDRS HQ

Taunoa-Brown’s last NRL appearance came in round 23, 2023. He played a Queensland Cup match for the Townsville Blackhawks a fortnight later – which stands as his most recent showing.

The four-time Indigenous All Star was named 18th man for the Cowboys’ final three games of the 2023 season before rupturing his achilles during the ensuing pre-season.

Taunoa-Brown has played 33 games for North Queensland since moving to Townsville, amassing a total of 67 NRL appearances with stints at the Warriors and Dragons.

There are still three spots in the Cowboys top 30 squad up for grabs after the club signed Jaxson Paulo and released D’Jazirhae Pua’avase.

North Queensland’s middle forward stocks for 2025 include Reuben Cotter, Coen Hess, Kaiden Lahrs, Sam McIntyre, Thomas Mikaele, Griffin Neame and Jason Taumalolo, while veteran enforcer Jordan McLean is also expected to sign on for another season.

Originally published as Rapper Yung Maynie, A.K.A Jamayne Taunoa-Brown, given final chance to save NRL career