Granty
29-12-2009, 11:21 PM
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/article/2009/12/29/103865_sport.html
Taumalolo leads U20s line-up
JOSH ALSTON
December 29th, 2009
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2009/12/28/jason-taumalolo.jpg
Jason Taumalolo
A HOST of home grown talents spearheaded by promising young back-rower Jason Taumalolo will have the chance to shine for the Cowboys under-20s in 2010.
A total of 12 North Queenslanders have been added to the Toyota Cup training squad including the Australian under-18 representative, who at just 16 has already been signed on the three-year deal reported to be worth $150,000.
Despite his tender age, Taumalolo can expect some game time next season after cutting a swathe through older opposition lines at State and national level this year.
Coach Kristian Woolf likened the Kirwan High student to half Michael Morgan and Wayne Ulugia, who dazzled in training last year and made their debuts despite being still in school.
''Because he had such an outstanding year he's been involved in training the same way Wayne Ulugia and Michael Morgan were involved in training last year,'' Woolf said.
''He's going really well at the moment, he will certainly get a chance to emulate what they've done.
''Being a back-rower he's more likely to play some games and get some involvement in school games as well.
''He's a terrific kid with a terrific work ethic so he's halfway there.''
Taumalolo has been joined by Jai Ingram (back row/centre) and Robbie Mcleod (back row) who have both come through the Kirwan system. Ignatius Park has again been well represented, with six players joining the likes of Morgan in the under-20s line-up.
Josh Rose (prop), Kyle Feldt (centre), Alex Elisala (utility back), Nathan Crowley (prop), Jay Lobwein (hooker) and Kurtis Ritchie (back-row) are all training with the squad.
Two Cairns trialists have impressed as well, with versatile outside back Nathan Kepa and back-rower Daniel Beasely earning call-ups after featuring in a Cairns Brothers A-grade outfit that defeated Todd Carney's Atherton in this year's CDRL grand final.
Burdekin's Callum Haywood rounds out the local talent after catching eyes in the TDRL this year as an 18-year-old playing A-grade.
''He's going really well, we've got fairly high hopes for him,'' Woolf said.
Outside of North Queensland, the club has also contracted New South Welshman David Uhi who arrives with an impressive resume and is training with the first-grade squad as well.
The damaging back-rower played for Matraville in the Arrive Alive Cup final against Keebra Park and has also played for NSW schoolboys and for the Dragons at SG Ball level.
''He's a big kid as well and we're hoping he adds a little bit to us,'' Woolf said.
Taumalolo leads U20s line-up
JOSH ALSTON
December 29th, 2009
http://www.townsvillebulletin.com.au/images/uploadedfiles/editorial/pictures/2009/12/28/jason-taumalolo.jpg
Jason Taumalolo
A HOST of home grown talents spearheaded by promising young back-rower Jason Taumalolo will have the chance to shine for the Cowboys under-20s in 2010.
A total of 12 North Queenslanders have been added to the Toyota Cup training squad including the Australian under-18 representative, who at just 16 has already been signed on the three-year deal reported to be worth $150,000.
Despite his tender age, Taumalolo can expect some game time next season after cutting a swathe through older opposition lines at State and national level this year.
Coach Kristian Woolf likened the Kirwan High student to half Michael Morgan and Wayne Ulugia, who dazzled in training last year and made their debuts despite being still in school.
''Because he had such an outstanding year he's been involved in training the same way Wayne Ulugia and Michael Morgan were involved in training last year,'' Woolf said.
''He's going really well at the moment, he will certainly get a chance to emulate what they've done.
''Being a back-rower he's more likely to play some games and get some involvement in school games as well.
''He's a terrific kid with a terrific work ethic so he's halfway there.''
Taumalolo has been joined by Jai Ingram (back row/centre) and Robbie Mcleod (back row) who have both come through the Kirwan system. Ignatius Park has again been well represented, with six players joining the likes of Morgan in the under-20s line-up.
Josh Rose (prop), Kyle Feldt (centre), Alex Elisala (utility back), Nathan Crowley (prop), Jay Lobwein (hooker) and Kurtis Ritchie (back-row) are all training with the squad.
Two Cairns trialists have impressed as well, with versatile outside back Nathan Kepa and back-rower Daniel Beasely earning call-ups after featuring in a Cairns Brothers A-grade outfit that defeated Todd Carney's Atherton in this year's CDRL grand final.
Burdekin's Callum Haywood rounds out the local talent after catching eyes in the TDRL this year as an 18-year-old playing A-grade.
''He's going really well, we've got fairly high hopes for him,'' Woolf said.
Outside of North Queensland, the club has also contracted New South Welshman David Uhi who arrives with an impressive resume and is training with the first-grade squad as well.
The damaging back-rower played for Matraville in the Arrive Alive Cup final against Keebra Park and has also played for NSW schoolboys and for the Dragons at SG Ball level.
''He's a big kid as well and we're hoping he adds a little bit to us,'' Woolf said.