JASON TAUMALOLO
Born: Auckland, May 31, 1993
Height: 191cm
Weight: 113kgs
Position: Lock, second row
NRL matches: 115 since 2010 debut
NRL tries: 23
International career: New Zealand - nine matches 2014-16, Tonga - 3 matches 2013
2016
Games: 27
Points: 24
Av run metres: 165
Av tackle breaks: 3
Line breaks: 11
Dally M Medal, Dally M Team of the Year, Rugby League Players' Association Players Champion, Paul Bowman Medal (Cowboys' best and fairest), Cowboys' players player of the year, Rugby League Week Player of the Year
WHY THE COWBOYS SIGNED HIM
* Taumalolo became the first forward to win the Dally M Medal last season when he tied with Cooper Cronk for the game's highest honour
* His footwork, speed, size and endurance saw him emerge as one of the game's most damaging forwards
* After trialling in front of NFL scouts in the off-season, the deal all but shuts the door on a switch to American football
THE RISKS
* Taumalolo will be 34 when his deal expires - can he stay injury free?
* Pressure - Manly's Daly Cherry-Evans has battled the expectation of an eight-year deal. Can Taumalolo cope?
* Could Taumalolo have underestimated his future value?
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