Taumalolo: I want to help build a Cowboys dynasty

Jason Taumalolo has outlined his long-term goal of helping build a North Queensland Cowboys dynasty to rival the Melbourne Storm before his contract expires in 2027.

The 2015 premiership winner has lofty ambitions over the next eight years and wants to create a legacy in Townsville that transcends his own deeds on the field.

It is a sign of the 25-year-old's maturity and connection to the Cowboys that he is far from satisfied with what the club has achieved in recent years.

The Cowboys contested seven finals series in a row from 2011-2017, a streak in which they won a title and reached another season decider.

Johnathan Thurston's farewell season did not go to plan with the side missing finals footy, and Taumalolo intends to ensure that scenario is not repeated so long as he is wearing Cowboys colours.  

He also has other goals that relate to the club's playing future.

"For me, the post-JT era it is all about trying to get us back in finals contention and creating a great footy club by helping the next generation coming through and showing them the ropes so they can become better players," Taumalolo told NRL.com.

"If they do their own bit in developing and learning they will all play their part in building a dynasty at this club.

"That is what I am excited about the most. If I can do that I will be happy with my career."

The standard for a dynasty right now would have to be the Melbourne Storm

Cowboys lock Jason Taumalolo

The word "dynasty" was on Taumalolo's lips a great deal in his conversation with NRL.com.

The Eels and Bulldogs created their own dynasties in the 1980s, and the Broncos ruled the roost in the 1990s. Taumalolo is most familiar with the success of the Melbourne Storm over the last 12 years.

He said that while it was based on the longevity of Cameron Smith, Cooper Cronk and Billy Slater, a key component was the way that trio ensured the highest standards were embraced by the entire squad.

"The standard for a dynasty right now would have to be the Melbourne Storm. They built that dynasty by having the 'Big Three' there for quite a while," Taumalolo said.

"They were dominant for so long and they have passed that knowledge on to their next generation with Cameron Munster there, a great forward pack and great outside backs too.

"They also have great young players coming through. For us, we have a bit of that same experience with players in the later part of their career like Matt Scott and Gavin Cooper, and a lot of younger players coming through as well.

I am happy here ... I am looking forward to bringing us into finals contention again

Jason Taumalolo

"For us, it is about that transition and helping the younger players find their place in the team and where they belong."

Taumalolo will have his good friend and fellow leading light Michael Morgan by his side for the next five years at least to lead the Cowboys into the post-Thurston era.

The Storm have Munster, Curtis Scott, Brandon Smith and the likes of Scott Drinkwater on the rise, and Taumalolo said the Cowboys had their own future stars.

"We have a lot of great young players. I can see the next generation of Cowboys players coming through too," he said.

"Jake Clifford obviously comes to mind, and young Te Maire Martin is also there. Middle forwards Peter Hola and Emry Pere are great young players who have played representative footy for the Junior Kiwis.

"Enari Tuala is one you saw play a bit of first grade last season and there is a lot of potential in other players."

Taumalolo said there was no reason why a Cowboys dynasty was unattainable.

"I am happy here and even though last season was our toughest year yet I am looking forward to bringing us into finals contention again," he said.

"If we can do that and keep that consistency in making finals and being in contention year after year, anything can happen. For now, we are just working hard so we can hopefully compete for the title again this season."