panthers legend player Nathan Cleary sadly lost his mother about 10min ago.

NRL legend Darren Lockyer has criticized Jason Taumalolo and the North Queensland forward pack following the Cowboys’ significant 36-point loss to Cronulla in round seven. Taumalolo, a former Dally M Medal winner, has been dropped to the bench for the upcoming match against Penrith as a consequence of the disappointing performance.

Concerns have been raised about Taumalolo’s performance this season, particularly considering his lucrative 10-year, $10 million contract with the Cowboys. Despite his past achievements as a three-time Dally M lock of the year and co-captain of the Cowboys, Taumalolo’s impact on the field has been diminishing, with declining statistics in key areas such as run metres, tackle busts, and post-contact metres.

Notably, Taumalolo’s average playing time has decreased significantly over the years, dropping to just 35 minutes per game in 2024. This decline has led to his replacement as a starting front-rower by Griffin Neame for the upcoming match.

While efforts are being made to manage Taumalolo’s workload and preserve his fitness for the season’s end, there is pressure on him to deliver more impactful performances to bolster the Cowboys’ chances of reaching the finals in 2024.

Lockyer, a respected figure in the NRL community, has emphasized the importance of intensity in the Cowboys’ forward pack, particularly in the absence of key players due to injury. He has urged Taumalolo and his fellow middle forwards to step up their game to address this concern.