Scans have confirmed the worst possible news for North Queensland Cowboys enforcer Jason Taumalolo, with the lock sustaining a Grade 3 medial ligament tear.
The complete tear will leave one of the game’s best forwards on the sideline for a period of between six and ten weeks.
The injury occurred during the first half of their clash against the Broncos during Round 2, when Taumalolo’s knee was bent awkwardly under a tackle.
While Taumalolo, who ran for over 300 metres during Round 1 against the St George Illawarra Dragons, played on for nearly 20 minutes with heavy strapping on the left knee, he was brought from the field and didn’t return in the second half.
It was initially hoped the injury would be nothing more than a minor MCL sprain with a return to play time of inside a month, however, scans have put it in the serious category of a complete tear.
While it’s not the end of his season, it will leave a large dent in the Cowboys, who were visibly weaker after he went off with the injury against the Broncos.
North Queensland went on to lose to Brisbane 29 points to 10, with their forwards bullied by a visibly fired up Broncos pack throughout the game.
There is a ray of hope he will return sooner for the Cowboys though, given he missed just three weeks in 2015 with a Grade 2 injury.
However, with six to ten weeks the slated return time for the 25-year-old, there should be no expectation to see him on the field before the Cowboys’ Round 9 game against the Rabbitohs. It could possibly be Round 13 before he is back on the park.
The recovery time should, however, leave 2016 Dally M Medal winner available for the mid-season Test when Tonga take on New Zealand in Auckland as part of the newly created Oceania Cup between Round 14 and 15 of the NRL season.
steveng
Roar Rookie
Yes I fully agree “Jason Taumalolo dealt heavy injury blow with torn medial ligament” Taumalolo’s injury should have not happened, it was a low act by TPJ to come in as a 3rd man and jump on top of Taumalolo, where is the fairness in that??? When a chicken wing tackle by the Bunnies (which I agree with) got 2 weeks suspension and a low act 3rd man over the top (when the attacking player was tacked ‘gets nothing’ why??? There were allot of ‘borderline late tackles’ that TPJ got away with also, one especially, when he shoulder charged and came in late (I’m not sure who it was precisely) but it was a kicker, either Morgan or T.E. Martin and knocked him down and he was very slow to get up!
Superspud
Roar Rookie
That kind of thinking is what saw the Cowboys go close to the wooden spoon. Not saying Coote was a poor player or deserved to be dropped but Ponga would've offered far more.
Josh H
Roar Rookie
I agree Ponga was a more valuable investment, especially in terms of talent. But my point is, Coote was the incumbent fullback, and until mid-2017, he didn't do anything wrong at all, and neither did Green by continuing to play him. Coote was in form. Why would you drop him? Simple as that.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
All I can say Josh is that we have differing opinions on the value of Lachlan Coote. Even as a raw 18 year old Ponga offered far more than Coote.
Josh H
Roar Rookie
How did Paul Green mismanage Ponga exactly? At the time Ponga was negotiating with the Knights, he was still an extremely raw 18 year old and was no better than the incumbent Coote. Coote had just come off the season of his life in 2016 and Ponga had to his name but 1 full season of NYC, and 2 games of first-grade... on the wing. Would have been a stupidly gutsy call to drop Coote for Ponga at that point. And if you're alluding to the contract itself, the Cowboys offered him an enormous contract for a teenager, as much as they could within the salary cap - nearly as much as Matt Scott earns. Newcastle just offered more.
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
We are on the same page Don. Hampton is a must as is Clifford. Green says Clifford is not there yet. Well how the hell is he going to get there playing Q Cup. Morgs is not a JT. He needs help with the kicking and when he always gets the ball as first receiver it stunts his running game. You me and the gatepost know what the Cows need to do . If last year is a guide it will happen around round 22.
Papi Smurf
Roar Rookie
I DID warn you mate that he would be flat in round 2 after his record-breaking effort in round 1. The knee injury was a big part of his low score but he had only run 44 metres in 34 mins and was on track to end up under 100 metres. Like I suggested, not the ideal time to captain JT13 in SC IMO.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Aahh the old chasing the game trap that all us SC players fall into.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Paul Green totally mismanaged the Ponga situation. As for the loss of JT I think in the long run it will help the players in the Cowboys pack.
Albo
Roar Rookie
Ha ! Me too ! We seem to have a lot of similar thoughts about our SC teams ! Can't be any good for you based on my dismal record.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I had Teddy last week as skipper too...!!!
Don Aprile
Roar Rookie
Sometimes I think Greenie has tunnel vision and doesn't like making changes....still early days but IMO a Clifford and Morgan halves combination is a must and the sooner the better. As I have stated previously Martin is a good utility player but IMO is not a starting five eight. Clifford would be more compatible with Morgan and I feel would take some pressure off Morgan's kicking game which was obvious against the Broncos. I also feel Morgan has a problem with consistency and Clifford would help cover for him with his kicking and play making abilities. Would also like to see Ben Hampton included in the centres and with Kyle Feldt coming back from injuries I feel they would inject a bit of life into the backline. Taumalolo will be a huge loss but with a bit of 'twiging' in the forwards I feel we will still have a competitive pack....but then again I am not a premiership winning coach and can only live in hope that some of these changes may be implemented.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I would have Clifford at 7, Martin at 6, Morgan at 1 & Kahu at 2, 3, 4, or 5.
Chui
Guest
Surely there is a way he can blame Brookvale Oval.
Albo
Roar Rookie
I had him as my SC captain too, TB ! Only topped off by having both my hookers ruled as late as Sunday, leaving me to run another player short for the round ! Gotta love this game !
Rob
Guest
Big loss for the Cowboys but it opens the door for a few blokes. Young Hola and Gilbert have been playing well in Qcup. Personally I believe Green needs to rejig the team which he got wrong from round 1. Clifford needs to be 7, Martin at 6, Morgan at 4, Tuala 3. Bowen and Opacic should be in Qcup. Green should give Meninga a ring and ask him what he said to the Qld forwards back in 2006? Pretty much I believe it was something along the lines of aim up or I’ll get someone who will.
Jawad Yaqub
Roar Guru
I second that!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Thanks for the tip...I’ll keep an eye out for them!!
3 R M
Guest
Hola and Gilbert TB though Greeny probably won't pick them, are bashing at the door. Both 18 yo, smashin big nos every week this year above all other squad forwards in isc both are locks. Lolos first gig he was 18 so there's a couple of outsiders for you.
The Barry
Roar Guru
This injury impacts so many people. Taumalolo, the Cowboys players fans and officials, Paul Green, me. I captained JT13 in my SC team this week!!! 99 points last week. 18 this week.