North Queensland Cowboys have demanded clarification from the NRL regarding Jason Taumalolo’s alleged undiagnosed foot injury during the Pacific Championships final.
The 31-year-old forward underwent Lisfranc surgery and is expected to miss the opening month of the 2025 NRL season. The injury, reportedly sustained against New Zealand, was diagnosed over a week after Taumalolo returned to Townsville.
Cowboys coach Todd Payten voiced frustration, stating, “I don’t know if his injury was handled well, at all. To only find out then was really disappointing.” Payten added that Taumalolo had shown strong form recently, making his absence a significant blow.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf defended his staff, emphasizing they treated Taumalolo with “nothing but care.” Woolf said, “The way our medical staff treated the situation with Jason is exactly how they would have looked after him in the NRL.”
The Cowboys also confirmed back-rower Heilum Luki will miss the 2025 season due to an ACL injury.