Hess' NRL return impresses Taumalolo
Jun 29, 2017 - 5:29 PM The stunning return of State of Origin rookie Coen Hess has ensured Jason Taumalolo isn't feeling any pressure to repeat his round one heroics in North Queensland's Saturday night clash in Canberra.The last time the Cowboys played the Raiders, New Zealand international Taumalolo racked up a remarkable 295m to inspire North Queensland's golden point season-opening win in Townsville.
And Taumalolo appeared set to produce something special again in Canberra this weekend after topping the league in run metres, averaging a whopping 202m a game.
But the Dally M Medallist said he would not need to provide another season-opening solo effort with 22 NRL game youngster Hess by his side.
Taumalolo was impressed with how Hess backed up from his Queensland debut in a stirring Origin II win over NSW in Sydney.
Hess ran an impressive 231m off the bench in North Queensland's last round win over Penrith - his first game back from making his Origin debut at just 20.
"It's good to know someone else can wrack up the metres as well," Taumalolo said.
"He brings that explosiveness in the middle and helps out the boys like Fenno (Shaun Fensom) who aren't so big and gets them a roll on."
Debate sparked by his own North Queensland coach Paul Green may have raged over whether Hess was ready for Origin ahead of game two.
But Taumalolo believed there was little argument Hess was now Origin material - not that the 20 year old would admit it.
"Hess is a humble kid, keeps his cool," Taumalolo said.
"Even though he is out there playing Origin and backing up he is as cool as ever.
"He just goes about his business.
"It's nice to see someone young and so mature playing Origin and backing it up in NRL."
Taumalolo hoped Hess found another gear against a giant Raiders pack on Saturday night.
"I am sure after an Origin win like that he is feeling up and his confidence is boosted," he said.
"Hessy has been doing a great job. Hopefully he is ready to go again."
Source: AAP
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