Jason Taumalolo, the North Queensland Cowboys’ star forward, says he is in the best physical condition he’s experienced in two years after undergoing a knee procedure. The timing is particularly significant as the Cowboys prepare to play a match in Las Vegas, with game-day temperatures forecast to reach 28 degrees Celsius – the hottest February day in the city for four decades.
“What we have is the healthiest I’ve felt the last two years,” Taumalolo said. “I finally got my right knee cleaned out, so everything is fixed, and fingers crossed I can stay on the field and stay healthy.”
Taumalolo’s trip to the United States evokes memories of a previous attempt to transition to American football. A decade ago, he and St George Illawarra’s Valentine Holmes participated in an NFL combine, hoping to secure a spot in the league. Holmes revisited the opportunity a few years later, even appearing in four pre-season games for the New York Jets before ultimately being released.
While Holmes pursued the NFL dream further, Taumalolo opted to commit long-term to the Cowboys. Reflecting on that decision, he acknowledged a degree of curiosity about what might have been. “I saw Val and we spoke about how crazy it was to think the last time we were here together, we had the NFL combine stuff happening,” Taumalolo said. “I was meant to arrive back, but I had a big decision to make with the Cowboys. Val chanced his hand and came here [a few years later].”
He conceded a slight regret about not exploring the NFL option more fully. “Do I have a bit of regret? Maybe slightly. I would have been curious to observe how I went. There were a few teams that wanted to do an individual [assessment].” However, he firmly stated his satisfaction with his choice. “But I signed the deal here. I wouldn’t change it again if I went back. I enjoy playing for this club, I love giving it my all, and hopefully I can do that the last two years.”
The Cowboys’ match in Las Vegas is part of a broader effort to expand the NRL’s presence in the United States. The game against the Bulldogs, scheduled for September 7, 2024, according to ESPN Philippines, is a key component of this strategy. Valentine Holmes as well features in the US, representing St George Illawarra.
Recent news highlights the competitive landscape within the NRL. The Guardian reported on a thrilling golden point victory for the Cowboys against the Sharks, with Valentine Holmes playing a pivotal role. Meanwhile, Fox Sports detailed the St George Illawarra Dragons’ recent signing successes and the financial challenges faced by the North Queensland Cowboys, noting a $1.15 million problem the club previously struggled to resolve.
