Jason Taumalolo

Kidwell today regularly had to take a moment to compose himself when talking about his nightmare Cup preparation.

He was blindsided by Taumalolo's decision to play for Tonga along with the likes of fellow Kiwis Manu Ma'u, Sio Siua Taukieaho and David Fusitu'a.

While Kidwell said he respected Taumalolo's call and believed the hardships had made him a better coach, he was clearly still unhappy with the Cowboys wrecking ball.

Asked if the door would be open to Taumalolo for a future Kiwi return, Kidwell said: "The space we are in right now, it's not up to me."

The Kiwis captain Adam Blair and former captain Benji Marshall have taken a swipe at the North Queensland Cowboys lock since his decision, saying he'd betrayed the black-and-white jumper.

Taumalolo says he chose Tonga to help develop the game there.

He arrived in Nuku'alofa on Thursday for a pre-Cup visit, he gave short shrift to the likes of Blair and Marshall.

"Obviously I've caused a bit of media stir and all that, but at the end of the day, I'm here to play for my country and I'm looking forward to doing that," Taumalolo told TVNZ.

The 24-year-old, who this week shocked rugby league circles by defecting to Tonga from New Zealand for the upcoming World Cup, became the first forward to run for 5000m in a season in 2017.

"Jason has again had a huge year," Cowboys general manager of football Peter Parr said.

"With a season-ending injury to our co-captain Matt Scott, Jason stepped up enormously, leading by example week-in, week-out."

Taumalolo was also joint winner of the players' player award, alongside emerging halfback Michael Morgan.

In a stunning decision Taumalolo, who was the joint-winner of the Dally M Award last year, this week pledged his allegiance to Tonga for the end-of-year campaign, with the Kiwis unaware of his intentions right up unti

Jason Taumalolo is pledging to fire up his "turbo diesel" engine for one last drive towards premiership glory after powering North Queensland's incredible journey to the NRL grand finale.

Taumalolo promised fans there was fuel left in the tank for Sunday night's blockbuster battle with Melbourne after destroying the Sydney Roosters pack at Sydney's Allianz Stadium in the semifinals.

While Waerea-Hargreaves was full of praise for his Kiwi counterpart, the Roosters are of the opinion they have the game plan to minimise his destructive impact in the do-or-die preliminary final at Allianz Stadium.

Taumalolo and Michael Morgan are the main reasons behind the Cowboys' unlikely finals resurgence – carrying the load in the absence of Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott.

Gallen, who is set to fight Sonny Bill Williams in the boxing ring, accused the Cowboys of "crying poor" in the leadup to the match over their hefty injury toll - which included co-captains and Australian test stars Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott.

But the Cowboys had the last laugh when halfback Michael Morgan slotted over a 15-metre field goal in extra time, to end the Sharks' premiership defence.

And Taumalolo, who looks up to Gallen and his longevity in the game, didn't hesitate to hit back with some tongue in cheek when reminded of the barbs after the match.

Despite brave efforts the Cowboys have lost their past three games and have dropped to eighth on the ladder, needing at least one win over the final three weeks of the regular season to qualify for the finals.

Starting with the Sharks at 1300SMILES Stadium on Saturday night, the Cowboys face the Wests Tigers (away) and the Broncos (home) to round out their season and Taumalolo told NRL.com that the courage they have displayed in recent weeks can carry them into September.

The Warriors have long been keen to lure Taumalolo back to his homeland.

In 2015, they offered him a $2 million contract only for the 24-year-old lock to re-sign with North Queensland for less money, that ultimately paid off for Taumalolo as the Cowboys won their maiden premiership that season.

Earlier this year, the Warriors again came calling with another hugely tempting offer which, combined with the chance to be around family, almost had Taumalolo packing his bags.

Both were charged over hits in the Cowboys' golden point win over Brisbane, with Taumalolo risking a two-match ban if found guilty at the judiciary.

Scott is facing a one-match ban but is also sidelined indefinitely after suffering an ACL injury during the match.

Meanwhile Warriors prop Charlie Gubb and Raiders forward Iosia Soliola have pleaded guilty to charges but will escape suspensions.