Jason Taumalolo has claimed a historic fifth consecutive Paul Bowman Medal at tonight’s North Queensland Toyota Cowboys End of Season Presentation Night at the Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.
He equalled Johnathan Thurston’s record four Best and Fairest gongs last season, but after tonight Taumalolo stands alone when it comes to the Cowboys’ highest individual honour.
Despite missing four games through injury, the 27-year-old was again the most dominant forward in the NRL.
Taumalolo averaged a herculean 208 metres a game in 2020, an astonishing 25 more per game than any other forward in rugby league. He also paced the NRL in post-contact metres with 88 per game.
The Tongan wrecking ball produced a number of mesmerising individual performances, none more incredible than his Round 2 demolition of the Bulldogs.
Playing at an empty ANZ Stadium, Taumalolo ran for an NRL record 345 metres on 26 carries, while also producing a try and eight tackle-breaks.
Amazingly, Taumalolo ran in excess of 200 metres in nine of his 16 appearances in 2020.
Taumalolo finished four votes in front of middle forward running mate Josh McGuire to win his fifth Paul Bowman Medal.
