Why the Cowboys signed Jason Taumalolo

The facts and figures on Jason Taumalolo who has signed record-breaking 10-year NRL deal with the Cowboys believed worth $10 million.

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?