After lunch with the king, Tonga is ready for a blockbuster with Samoa

[ad_1] Lunch with the king of Tonga and high quality time spent along with his topics have Jason Taumalolo primed to ship a blockbusting show in opposition to Samoa.

The Tongan co-captain and his staff spent 5 days in Tonga earlier than flying to Brisbane to organize for the Pacific Cup conflict with the Samoans at Lang Park on Sunday.

A spotlight was lunch on the royal residence with King Tupou VI. Taumalolo was feted as a nationwide hero on the journey, with staff administration struggling to get him from one venue to the following due to his reputation.

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"It is a privilege for us to be in that place to fulfill the king. That not often occurs, particularly for the Tongan folks," Taumalolo stated.

"The formalities had been totally different — making an attempt to not flip your again, simply the little issues the boys needed to choose up on that was new to them.

"The explanation why we went again to Tonga was to see the folks we had been enjoying for, and see what it means to them. For a number of the boys, it was their first time seeing household they'd by no means met earlier than, and simply reconnecting to their Tongan facet.

"We'll take lots from that week going into this week. It will assist inspire us going into this 12 months's marketing campaign."

The 32-year-old powerhouse performed simply 10 video games for the Cowboys in 2025 in what was an injury-riddled 12 months, the least matches in a season since he was an 18-year-old in 2011.

After a post-season knee clean-out, Tonga's non secular chief is primed for a large match.

"Clearly, it wasn't the kind of 12 months I wished," Taumalolo stated.

"In final 12 months's Pacific Championships, I obtained injured, and never with the ability to begin the 12 months put me behind the eight-ball.

"It was good to have the ability to string collectively just a few video games on the again finish and be given the chance to play for Tonga."

Taumalolo has two seasons to go on his 10-year Cowboys deal and may't envisage being anyplace else.

"I like being on the Cowboys. I have been there my entire profession and want to end as one of many gamers who get to complete as a one-club man," he stated.

"In saying that, something can occur in rugby league. You see gamers you'd by no means count on to go away their golf equipment go away, however I have not exercised that thought simply but.

"I signed the deal for a cause.

"Something can occur between from time to time, however Tonga is my first focus.

"It may be an important environment little question (on Sunday), however on the finish of the day it is about who will get the job completed."

Taumalolo needs to play in subsequent 12 months's World Cup, however is taking nothing with no consideration.

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"Clearly that is been at the back of my thoughts, particularly with the quantity of younger proficient gamers coming by means of," he stated.

"It may be a giant competitors for spots within the staff, and there is nonetheless numerous gamers who missed out this 12 months who had nice seasons.

"I am counting down the times once I'll ultimately cling up the crimson jersey, and I am certain the following one that will take over will do a greater job than what I've.

"I will give it all the things I've. I am not one to go away it within the tank.

"Generally the physique decides to take a special route, however each time I placed on a jersey — it doesn't matter what color it's — I will give it my greatest, and if my physique breaks down, then so be it."