The request Taumalolo made ahead of record breaking clash

North Queensland’s assistant coach, Blake Green, has opened up on the request Jason Taumalolo has made to playing group as he breaks Johnathan Thurston’s all-time games record at the Cowboys this week.

Having played his entire NYC and NRL career with the Cowboys, the 32-year-old has become one of the greatest players in the club’s history, helping them win their only NRL premiership.

With the historic achievement, many have been keen to highlight and celebrate the record.

But according to the assistant coach, the legendary lock has not wanted to make a big deal of the achievement.

“He's asked us not to because he's probably got another one (coming up),” Green told SENQ Breakfast.

“He's got a 300 (game) one coming in five weeks. He does pass JT (Johnathan Thurston) this week and is playing 295 games for the Cowboys.

“So, you know, JT will be there on Friday night to make a presentation to him before the game.”

Despite 2026 being his 17th season in the NRL, Taumalolo has managed to have a resurgence in form.  

So far, the Tongan representative has managed to average 163 run metres despite only playing 46 minutes per match, leaving Green seriously impressed.  

“He's been great, he's so mentally strong,” he continued.

“His body's pretty banged up. So, he can't play huge minutes like he used to, and he can't train the way he used to.

“But he's just found the right recipe at the moment for getting the best out of himself when he's on the field, and some of the games that he's played and how he's carried the ball, he's generated a heap of momentum.

“He's been great.”

The Cowboys will celebrate Taumalolo’s record-breaking game this Friday night against the Eels at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.

Kick-off takes place at 8pm AEST.