Brisbane Broncos captain Corey Parker says shutting down his opposite number is the key to stopping the North Queensland's unbelievable go forward that sees them second in the competition for run metres after Round 10.
Jason Taumalolo is having another stellar season for the Cowboys, sitting second in run metres by forwards behind Bulldogs captain James Graham.
The Broncos are no strangers to Taumalolo's brute strength, with the 22-year-old running for a staggering 214 metres in the Broncos 1-point victory over the Cowboys in Round 4 this year.
Parker says the New Zealand international has become one of the most agile big men in the game and the Brisbane lock knows he will need to have an immense game if he is to match Taumalolo's incredible output when the two teams meet on Friday at 1300SMILES Stadium.
"Taumalolo is a big boy that's hard to stop," Parker said.
"He got the Dally M Lock of the Year last year so that puts him in pretty high esteem.
"He's a young kid with size and strength. He can move for a big guy so he's certainly a big part of their side and their go forward.
"They have a process that works for them when he goes off. Everyone's being do their job well up there.
"Ben Hannant and Scott Bolton have come off the bench and kept their team going forward. They're just a good side across the park.
"It's not a fluke that they won the competition last year and they are sitting near the top now so it'll be a big challenge for us this Friday."
Friday looms as a highly important game for both sides, with it being the last home and away fixture before their representative stars go off on State of Origin duty.
The Queensland Derby has become a thrilling rivalry for fans and players alike, with the last three clashes being decided by four points or less.
Every point will be vital in the contest and it looks as if Jordan Kahu will continue to kick goals for Brisbane, with Parker admitting that he is carrying an injury that will continue to prevent him from taking part in his usual duties of kicking for goal.
"I picked up a foot injury in the ANZAC Test match and that's why I didn’t kick on the weekend," he said.
"Jordy is a fair kicker so we won't reassess the kicking duties until my foot is right."
