Jason Taumalolo's status as the top forward in rugby league remained unchallenged in 2018 after yet another outstanding season by the North Queensland Cowboys lock.

The 25-year-old Tongan wrecking ball led all forwards in both running metres with 4104 in 23 games and post-contact metres with 1743 at an average of 77 per game.

Taumalolo's remarkable run of durability continued in 2018, with the Cowboys superstar playing in at least 23 games for the fifth consecutive season.

He became just the 14th player in club history to appear in 150 games, bringing up the milestone against South Sydney in Round 11.

As Cowboys fans have become accustomed to, Taumalolo saved arguably his top performance of the season for arch-rivals Brisbane.

In a Round 22, last minute 34-30 victory, Taumalolo ran for a colossal 286 metres, scored a try, broke seven tackles and chipped in 24 tackles in a masterful performance.

For the third time in four seasons, Taumalolo was named Dally M Lock of the year and is also a finalist for the Golden Boot to be announced later this year.

2018 stats:

Games: 23

Tries: 4

Tackle breaks: 97

Average runs: 18

Average run metres: 178

Average tackles: 28