The massive payday will see him jump Cameron Smith’s earnings as the Cowboys scurry to sew up the forward before he hits the open market on November 1, with the Kiwi international expected to attract interest from the NRL, Super Rugby, and the All Blacks.  

The 25-year-old premiership-winner if off contract at the end of next season with North Queensland desperate to keep the man regarded as the most damaging forward in the game.

Taumalolo last year knocked back a two-year $2 million deal from the Warriors to remain in Townsville on his current deal worth $700,000 a season.  

The Cowboys are hoping to have a new deal signed prior to Friday night’s preliminary final against Cronulla.

Cowboys co-captain Matt Scott implored the club to do whatever it took to keep the rampaging lock in the tropics.

“We should throw the kitchen sink at him,” Scott told News Corp. “There are guys like him, Coen Hess, Ethan Lowe and Morgs (Michael Morgan) who you need to build a club around.

“There’s no doubt he’s really enjoyed his time here and the Cowboys have brought out the best out of him.

“I’m hoping he realises that and doesn’t want to go anywhere else.’’