Cowboys leader Jason Taumalolo insists his boxing debut will not deter his premiership ambitions, as he prepares to headline an all-star rugby league fight card within days of the NRL grand final.
The North Queensland co-captain was announced as one of the main acts for the Rumbles on the Reef fight night in Townsville, with a host of his current and former colleagues bracing to step into the ring.
Jason Taumalolo.Credit: Getty
Taumalolo has long held ambitions to test himself with the gloves on, having trained with his dad growing up in a bid to ensure he knew how to protect himself.
He was approached for the Rugby League Rivals event in 2021, also in Townsville, only for its preseason timing to derail those plans.
The Cowboys are precariously placed, sitting outside the top eight on points differential and in a must-win situation if they are to feature come September.
But while the showcase is scheduled for just six days after the NRL’s decider, the Tongan superstar – who plays his 250th NRL game when he side take on Cronulla on Thursday night – said his primary focus would remain on a Cowboys triumph.
“It [my preparation] will probably be a bit of work while I’m with the club too, I just have to find the right balance between doing this and, obviously, my work with the Cowboys,” Taumalolo said.
“Given the situation the club is in at this part of the season, the club is my first priority and then straight after that, it’s taking to the ring after the grand final.
“I got approached a few years ago, and given how close that fight night was to preseason training and trials, they didn’t let me go ahead with it. But I’m thankful for the club’s support to let me go out there and do my thing.
“It [fighting after a potential grand final] is something I’ll have to sort out myself. It’s a bit of a tricky situation, but nevertheless, it’s pretty exciting.”
Jason Taumalolo will step into the ring for the first time on October 7.Credit: Getty
Taumalolo will be joined on the card by Melbourne Storm enforcer Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Parramatta Eels hitman Junior Paulo, while Dolphins prop Jarrod Wallace has also reportedly been sounded out to take part.
Former Dragons centre Matt Cooper and Brisbane Broncos legend Justin Hodges will also trade blows at the spectacle, while career fighter Paulo Aokuso will contest the IBO Light Heavyweight Intercontinental title against Mickael Diallo.
Asofa-Solomona was due to face Canberra Raiders star Josh Papali’i in the 2021 event, however he withdrew and former two-time premiership winner Ben Hannant stepped up at short notice.
Now, the confessed boxing fanatic plans to announce himself as a prospective long-term fighter and take the mantle vacated by Paul Gallen as the leading football-boxing convert in the nation.
Nelson Asofa-Solomona.Credit: Getty
“This fight night will be massive. There are some big names on there, and a couple of guys who haven’t stepped into the ring yet,” Asofa-Solomona said.
“I can’t wait to see big boys like Jason Taumalolo and Junior Paulo get into the ring, and seeing where they are at with their skills.
“There will be a lot of eyes on this.”
More fighters are set to be announced in the coming weeks, with the showcase to be broadcast exclusively on Stan.
