Barnstorming Taumalolo picks up award

With his team ravaged by injury and representative commitments, Jason Taumalolo had no hesitations about playing the full 80 minutes when approached by Paul Green before the Round 13 clash with Manly.

The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys lock hasn't missed a single minute of football since.

Taumalolo's most recent 80-minute effort, a 216-metre, eight tackle-break performance against the Warriors in Round 15 was enough for Green to name his barnstorming lock the Tropic Petroleum Man of the Match during post-match presentations at the Cowboys Leagues Club on Friday night.

"There were a few really good efforts," Green said.

"Te Maire Martin had one of his better games of the season, Kyle Feldt scored a couple of tries and had a try assist, he was very good.

But Jason Taumalolo was huge for us again, he knocked out 80 minutes in the middle and on the edge and for the third straight week, which is a remarkable achievement.

Paul Green

Taumalolo said the challenge of playing longer minutes has been extremely tough both physically and mentally, but one he is also relishing.

"I thought it would get easier, but it hasn't and I'm still getting used to it. It was a really hard game and the boys played their hearts out again, but unfortunately we couldn't get the result," he said.

"I don't mind playing on an edge, it's a little bit refreshing. I'm enjoying running out wide because it's been a while since I've done that."