'Selfless decision': IRL Chair Troy Grant pays tribute to Jason Taumalolo

International Rugby League Chair Troy Grant has expressed gratitude to Jason Taumalolo on behalf of the game ahead of the inspirational Tonga star's 300th NRL appearance for North Queensland Cowboys.

Taumalolo is the first player of Tongan heritage to reach the milestone and tributes have poured in from around the Pacific and across the game, with Tonga Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua leading a Tongan delegation attending the match against Penrith Panthers.

The superstar forward’s decision to turn his back on New Zealand at the 2017 World Cup to play for Tonga changed international rugby league for the better and inspired the likes of Isaiya Katoa, Payne Haas and Val Holmes to represent their Pacific heritage.

“As the game celebrates Jason’s achievement of playing 300 NRL matches for North Queensland, I would like to take the opportunity to thank him for what he has done for international rugby league,” Grant said.

"Jason’s selfless decision to play for Tonga in 2017 has elevated the international game to another level and inspired players from all nations to represent their heritage.

“He commands enormous respect throughout the game for the impact he has had and on behalf of International Rugby League I congratulate Jason for his 300th game milestone and look forward to watching him play at the World Cup.”

Taumalolo, whose on-field performances have earned comparisons to Sonny Bill Williams and Sam Burgess, has been a key figure for the Cowboys since their 2015 premiership win and 2017 grand final appearance.

However, his influence on the game extends far beyond North Queensland and Katoa, Addin Fonua-Blake and Kulikefu Finefeiuaki are among the Tongan team-mates who chose to play for their heritage because of Taumalolo.

Just nine years later, the ARLC is preparing to host the most competitive World Cup since the concept was established in 1954, with Tonga and Samoa considered genuine contenders and Fiji, PNG and Cook Islands also on the rise.

"Jason Taumalolo's 300-game milestone is more than a personal achievement - it’s a proud moment for the Kingdom of Tonga,” said Prime Minister Lord Fakafanua, who is also Chairman of Tonga Rugby League.

“It reflects the exceptional talent our nation continues to produce and marks a new chapter in rugby league history as the first Tongan to reach this extraordinary feat in a game that holds a special place in the hearts of our people.

"Jason's impact extends far beyond the football field. His decision to represent Tonga at the peak of his career was a defining moment for rugby league in the Pacific.

“By choosing country over personal gain, he inspired a generation of young athletes to wear their heritage with pride and helped transform Tonga into a force on the international stage.

“On behalf of Tonga Rugby League and the people of the Kingdom of Tonga, we not only congratulate Jason on this remarkable achievement, but also thank him for the dedication, sportsmanship, and excellence he has demonstrated throughout his distinguished career."