North Queensland coach Paul Green has paid tribute to Jason Taumalolo ahead of his 100th NRL game after revealing the forward once struggled with being compared to Sonny Bill Williams at just 18.
Kiwi wrecking ball Taumalolo – now 23 – will mark game No.100 when he runs out against ladder leaders Cronulla on Monday night.
“I am very proud of Jase. He had to deal with the ‘next Sonny Bill Williams’ headline and I don’t think that is healthy,” Green said.