North Queensland Cowboys star Jason Taumalolo will mark his 300th NRL game this weekend, joining an elite list of the code's 55 legends who have reached the triple century. What makes it even more special is that the Tongan wrecking ball will celebrate it in front of his friends and family in Townsville when the Penrith Panthers come to visit on Saturday.
Taumalolo joins Johnathan Thurston as Cowboys greats who will reach the milestone, and will run out as a one-club legend with his beloved Cowboys.
Let's have a look back at ten of Taumalolo's greatest moments that shaped his career.
2. Tonga vs Australia 2019
Mate Ma'a Tonga continued their insane recruitment drive following their 2017 World Cup run, culminating in defeating Australia 16-12 in 2019.
It marked the first time since 1978 that a Tier 2 nation defeated Australia, with the blueprint laid out from a brave decision by Taumalolo to represent his island nation instead of New Zealand two years prior.
Starting from the lock position, he ran 147 metres and six tackle breaks, leading from the front. Funnily enough, it's safe to call that a quiet night for Taumalolo. The win was such a pivotal moment on the international scene that Taumalolo marked it higher on his achievements than the Cowboys' maiden premiership in 2015.
"That's right up there alongside the premiership. I reckon it's probably one [better],'' Taumalolo said to the Sydney Morning Herald in 2019 following the match.
"That was probably my biggest game. This is the highlight of my career.
"Having on my resume [that] we've beaten the best country in rugby league as a tier-two nation, it's a feeling I'll remember the rest of my life. Hopefully I can spend time telling my kids and grandkids.''
