- Kristian Woolf received a phone call in 2017 from Jason Taumalolo
- I followed the Cowboys losing the NRL grand final against Melbourne
- Taumalolo’s decision started a revolution in rugby league
Jason Taumalolo recalled the phone call he made in 2017 that ultimately changed international rugby league forever.
Taumalolo’s name appeared on Kristian Woolf’s screen and the Tonga coach didn’t know what to think given the North Queensland Cowboys veteran had just finished Mad Monday following the team’s big final loss to the Melbourne Storm.
The superstar striker called to announce that he wanted to transfer his allegiance to Tonga after playing football for New Zealand.
“He thought I was still drunk,” Taumalolo said before Sunday’s Pacific Cup final against Australia at CommBank Stadium.
“I said, ‘No, I’m serious.’ I had recovered and made the decision. I talked to some of the other guys and the rest is history.
The “other guys” then were fellow New Zealanders Siousiua Taukeiaho, Manu Ma’u and David Fusitu’a, plus Australian prop Andrew Fifita.
What has happened since the quintet’s decision has been extraordinary.
Tongan forward Jason Taumalolo (pictured teammate Liana La Riva) recalled the phone call he made in 2017 to coach Kristian Woolf that changed international rugby league forever.
After 10 appearances for the Kiwis, Taumalolo (pictured this week with representative teammate Siliva Havili) decided it was time to play for his island nation, Tonga.
“I had known Kristian for a long time and I promised him I would come back, but it wouldn’t be like an old player who wouldn’t be picked for New Zealand,” Taumalolo said. NRL.com
“Coming back and playing for my country and my heritage was something I wanted to do, so I made the decision that even though I played pretty good football, I would come back and represent them.”
Tonga stunned the Kiwis in the 2017 World Cup and also beat the Kangaroos two years later in memorable scenes.
Taumalolo started a revolution in rugby league, with players such as Jarome Luai, Brian To’o and Stephen Crichton following suit and representing Samoa at the 2022 World Cup, where they reached the final in England.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf initially thought Taumalolo was “drunk” after Mad Monday drinks with the Cowboys following their 2017 NRL grand final loss (pictured right, with Lehi Hopoate) .
The enforcer, 31, now looks back and proudly admits it is “probably one of the biggest decisions” he has made in his decorated football career.
“There are moments where it’s a little surreal,” he said.
“I always look at those ‘how cool is this’ moments… for now let’s just accept it and enjoy the support we have.”
Woolf’s men will be underdogs on Sunday against the Kangaroos, and their fanatical supporters will ensure a sea of red in what is expected to be a packed crowd.
If Tonga win it will be the country’s first major rugby league trophy, and it’s all down to Taumalolo’s audacity.