NRL 2022: Jason Taumalolo on supposed rift with coach Todd Payten

North Queensland captain Jason Taumalolo has addressed the most important question facing the club ahead of the 2022 season.

Jason Taumalolo during pre-season training with the Cowboys. Picture: Evan Morgan

Jason Taumalolo has declared himself Covid compliant and dismissed rumours of a rift with Cowboys coach Todd Payten as the North Queensland superstar revealed plans to finish his career in Townsville.

In an exclusive interview with News Corp, Taumalolo said he is in no danger of being sidelined this season after being granted approval from the Queensland government to play in this year’s NRL premiership.

Taumalolo’s future in the code was uncertain following revelations the Cowboys forward was among a group of fewer than 10 NRL players, including Melbourne’s Nelson Asofa-Solomona, yet to be vaccinated against Covid.

Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Try 14-days free now.

That prompted the Cowboys to recently issue Taumalolo a letter warning his $10 million deal could be in jeopardy if Covid-related matters prevented him fulfilling his contractual obligations to the club.

Jason Taumalolo has spoken out about vaccination. Picture: Evan Morgan

Taumalolo was the only North Queensland player yet to be vaccinated, but speaking for the first time about his Covid battle, the skipper insists he will lead the Cowboys in their season opener against the Bulldogs in Townsville on March 13.

“The one thing I will say is that I have the green light to play in round one and that’s all that matters,” Taumalolo told News Corp.

“I have a pretty strong opinion that my medical information is for myself only and I like to keep it that way. But I will be playing this season for the Cowboys.

“I’m happy I get to play and I’m glad I’m OK to play in the NRL this year.”

It is understood Taumalolo contracted Covid during the off-season, but he has maintained his right to keep his vaccination status confidential.

“I’ve tested negative quite a few times at training ... eventually we are all bound to get Covid,” he said.

“Covid has been tough on everyone in the game.

“We know how much our fans love rugby league and not being able to have crowds at times and for players, flying in and out on the day of games, our preparation was affected.

“Life outside of football changed. It will always be a challenge but the clubs and the NRL have handled the Covid situation well.”

Jason Taumalolo is critical to the Cowboys’ hopes of a finals fightback this season.

North Queensland’s most important player is also keen to close the door on a nightmare 2021 campaign that he described as the toughest of his decorated 211-game career.

Taumalolo was restricted to just 15 games, his lowest seasonal output in eight years, after breaking his hand three times.

The litany of injuries came amid speculation he had fallen out with rookie coach Payten, who sensationally took aim at Taumalolo’s performance just one game into the 2021 premiership.

But as he enters the midpoint of his record 10-year, $10 million contract with the Cowboys, Taumalolo says he is committed to the club and wants to help Payten propel North Queensland back into finals contention.

“In a perfect world, I would like to finish my playing career here in North Queensland,” he said.

“I have enjoyed every bit of it: the lows, the highs, winning the premiership (in 2015) and even through these tough years, I have enjoyed it all.

Taumalolo is determined to honour his 10-year deal and finish his career at the Cowboys.

“I love the Cowboys and my aim is to finish a one-club man and stay here in Townsville.

“To be honest, I felt I let the club down last year. It was probably the toughest year I’ve had to endure. Being a senior player, you do hold more responsibility and I hold myself to the highest standards. I do feel the last few years when we haven’t made the finals, I haven’t been at my best.

“I’m trying not to be too hard on myself, but hopefully the only way is up from here. We have some great talent coming through and I believe they can get the Cowboys back into the finals again, but for them to do that, I need to lead the way. I want to get the Cowboys out of the slumps and the tough times.

Jason Taumalolo during pre-season training with the Cowboys. Picture: Evan Morgan

“I hope it’s a better second season for Todd. It was a tough year not only for Toddy as coach, but us as a club.

“Things are good with me and Toddy. I want to help him get the club back to where we were playing finals, but I’m not getting carried away. I know we have a lot of work ahead of us, but I believe we’re in a better place this year than 12 months ago.”

There was a suggestion Taumalolo would be shifted to the edges this season, but the 113kg wrecking ball intends to stay in the midfield.

The Tongan Test star, who turns 29 in May, also revealed he had dropped some weight over summer to ensure he keeps up with the pace of the game, his motivation fuelled by a desire to honour his 10-year deal.

“If everyone is healthy and we don’t have any injuries, I don’t see myself shuffling to the edges. I think I’m best suited in the middle,” Taumalolo said.

“I have trimmed down a bit and it’s better considering where the game is going and how much quicker it has gotten over the last few years.

“The way the game is being played, you have to be on your toes and moving quickly. You can’t carry too much weight.

“With my contract, I never take for granted what I do. I try and play every game like it’s my last and to be doing what I love as my job, not many people can say that.

“Every time I am out there I’m enjoying it and when I put on the Cowboys jersey, I don’t get complacent.

“We’ve been through some ups and downs over the last few years, but I’m determined to make us successful again and have us playing finals football.”

Originally published as NRL 2022: Jason Taumalolo on supposed rift with coach Todd Payten