Tonga reject Cowboys criticism over Taumalolo injury as young gun ruptures ACL [Video]

Three physiotherapists aligned with NRL clubs and an experienced chief medical officer were all satisfied Tongan giant Jason Taumalolo was fit to take the field against Australia in the Pacific Championships final, despite having an undiagnosed broken foot.

The Cowboys workhorse could now miss the opening month of the NRL season after undergoing Lisfranc surgery. It comes as the club confirmed back-rower Heilum Luki ruptured his ACL at training on Saturday and will miss the entire 2025 season.

North Queensland officials confirmed Taumalolo had broken his foot a week before the Pacific Championships final in a Test against New Zealand. They quickly asked the NRL for a “please explain” as to how Tonga had failed to identify such a serious injury.

Sources with knowledge of the situation not authorised to speak publicly told this masthead the Cowboys …