He signed the longest deal in NRL history last season and now Jason Taumalolo wants playmaker Michael Morgan and coach Paul Green to join him in staying at North Queensland.
Taumalolo and Morgan returned to Cowboys training under Green this week, fresh from a six-week break following the end of last year’s World Cup.
Green and Morgan are set to become some of the hottest properties on the NRL market this year, with their reputations only enhanced by the Cowboys’ injury-ravaged run to last year’s grand final.
Green confirmed last month his preference was to stay on at North Queensland, but said he would be prepared to move back to Sydney if it was his family’s best option.
Taumalolo desperately hopes that situation doesn’t eventuate.
“They’re big crucial parts of us as a team,” Taumalolo said.
“Obviously when Greeny first came to the club he had a plan for me and what he wanted to do as a coach and changing the way I played.
“That obviously worked a lot for me and I can’t thank him enough for that.
“He was one of the main reasons I wanted to stay here at the club and sign a long-term deal so as long as Greeny is around I will be happy.”
Morgan’s signature is a priority for the Cowboys this season with the salary cap space set to be opened by Johnathan Thurston’s retirement, as they expect the 26-year-old to take over the team’s attack and captaincy.
“I would like to spend the rest of my career playing next to Morgo,” Taumalolo said.
“Obviously Morgo being a local boy and growing up to be the player he is today – words can’t describe how important they (Green and Morgan) are to the team and future of this club.
“Hopefully the Cowboys lock him up as soon as possible.”
Taumalolo said he would confirm soon whether he would continue pursue his international career with Tonga after the World Cup or return to New Zealand.
He said he was in support of reports Australia could face Tonga in a Test in Hawaii in October.
“I’m fully with that decision if that happens. And if it does happen hopefully I can be a part of it,” he said.
