HE'S the wrecking ball who demolished the Knights less than two months ago.
Now Newcastle's hopes of potentially climbing into the NRL top four hinge on how effectively they can contain North Queensland skipper Jason Taumalolo in tomorrow's clash at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Last time the two teams met, in Townsville on June 27, Taumalolo was an irresistible force, racking up 297 metres to inspire the Cowboys to a 32-20 win.
It was his fifth consecutive victory against Newcastle, but North Queensland have since slumped to seven successive defeats, parting company with premiership-winning coach Paul Green along the way.
Chasing their third win in as many games, the sixth-placed Knights could find themselves fourth on the ladder by the end of round 15 if they beat the Cowboys and both Sydney Roosters and Canberra lose to Wests Tigers and Gold Coast respectively. But to have any hope, Newcastle need to limit the damage inflicted by Taumalolo, who once again leads the NRL for post-contact metres (1218).
One of the men directly in Taumalolo's path will be Knights prop Jacob Saifiti, reinstated to the starting team after twin brother Daniel aggravated a knee injury.
"He did a pretty good job on us last time," Jacob said.
"You're not going to stop him. Contain is probably a better word. Try and limit his metres, but there are plenty of other strike weapons they've got on the field."
Jacob admitted "not many teams have been able to stop him" but the Knights would "do what we can".
Back-rower Lachlan Fitzgibbon said Newcastle's plan would be to "put him on his back" as often as possible.
