Dragons knocked back again as ‘shocked’ forward denies approach
According to reports, the St George Illawarra Dragons made a surprise bid for Jason Taumalolo, but his management turned them down.
The talented forward, who is currently nearing the end of a ten-year contract with the North Queensland Cowboys that will expire at the end of the 2027 season, earns approximately $1 million in Townsville per season.
Coach Flanagan of the New Dragons has been working feverishly to rebuild the team as soon as possible, but he hasn’t been able to sign any significant players as of yet.
While Thomas Dearden re-signed with the Cowboys, Joseph Manu is expected to join the French rugby union, and Addin Fonua-Blake turned down the Cowboys in favor of playing for the Cronulla Sharks in 2025.
Heilum Luki, for whom the Dragons are said to have made an offer, is yet unanswered. The Dragons are also interested in Kulikefu Finefuiaki, who will also be free agent at the end of 2024.
But Taumalolo will be off limits. According to News Corp, after coach Todd Payten’s unexpected decision to remove Taumalolo and colleague Chad Townsend from captaincy for 2024, the club reportedly contacted his management to find out if there was any desire to leave Townsville. Reuben Cotter and Thomas Dearden have taken their places.
Although Taumalolo was’shocked’ to lose the captaincy, the publication claims that he has no problems with Payten and isn’t now interested in leaving the team.
Despite some recent struggles and injury concerns, Taumalolo and the Cowboys are poised to honor the Townsville contract through the end of 2027. As a result, the forward, who has already played in 252 games, will most likely end his career as a single-club player.
