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Load management and minutes restrictions will allow North Queensland lock Jason Taumalolo to run even harder during the 2021 NRL season.
North Queensland coach Todd Payten has made no secret he plans to employ Jason Taumalolo in shorter, more intense spells this NRL season.
The star lock is arguably the game's best running forward and last year was the sixth in post-contact metres, despite playing just 16 matches, as he averaged more than 200m per game.
But Taumalolo believes the Cowboys will target second-phase play as they attempt to increase the pace of their game after disappointing campaigns in recent seasons.
"We've obviously lacked in that sort of department over the last few years so it's always been something we've tried to add to our game," Taumalolo said.
"Not just myself, Francis (Molo) is a great off-loader and Mac (Jordan McLean) is a great as well, so if we can get that going I think it will help us a bit this year."
NRL opposition will be on notice in 2021 with Taumalolo content to reduce his on-field minutes and instead focus on making an even bigger impact.
"Yeah, I'm happy with that role, I guess that puts more responsibility on younger boys coming through so that's good for them to get some sort of responsibility when they're out there in the field," the 27-year-old said.
"I can go harder for shorter minutes so I'm happy with that and it means less stress on the body."
Taumalolo has also been asked to take on the responsibility of being co-captain with veteran half Michael Morgan.
While not the most vocal of players, Taumalolo appreciates the importance of his role as a senior player and will lean on some of the Cowboys' more experienced leaders to help him along.
"Getting captain at a great club alongside Morgan adds a lot more pressure this year with the 'c' next to my name, but I'm getting to relish that bit of responsibility," he said.
"That's something I've been working on this preseason. But, again, we got a lot of great leaders in the team and that makes my job a bit more easier."
