COWBOYS star Jason Taumalolo has urged Michael Morgan to join him in committing long term to the club, adamant he wants to play alongside the Kangaroos playmaker for the rest of his career.

Morgan and coach Paul Green, both off contract at the end of this season, will be hot property on the open market after helping guide an injury-ravaged North Queensland to the grand final last year.

Green was a major reason why Taumalolo re-signed with the Cowboys for an unprecedented ten years early last season.

With co-captains Johnathan Thurston and Matt Scott out of the side, Taumalolo and Morgan took on more responsibility last year and spearheaded their finals charge.

“They (Green and Morgan) are a big and crucial part of us a team,” Taumalolo said.

“Greeny has been a great coach since he’s been with the Cowboys and Morgo, being a local boy and growing up to be the player he is today, words can’t describe how important they are to the tam and the future of this club.

“I’d like to spend the rest of my career playing alongside Morgo and hopefully the club locks him up long term.

“When Greeny first came to the club he had plans for me on changing the way I play and that obviously worked for me, I can’t thank him enough for that.

“It’s probably one of the main reasons why I wanted to stay at the club and sign a long term deal. As long as Greeny’s around, I’ll be happy.”

Taumalolo’s defection from New Zealand to Tonga for the World Cup created big headlines over summer.

The 24-year-old insisted he is yet to make a decision whether he will commit long term to Tonga, but gave every indication he will remain with the Mate Ma’a after helping guide them to a semi final berth.

“I think we’ll find out soon (what I’ll do),” Taumalolo said.

“I’ve got the Pacific Test halfway through the year, so I’m sure I’ll make my mind up sooner rather than later.

“Some of the tier two nations have done pretty well over the World Cup and definitely improved, it’s becoming tighter on the international stage.

“As long as they get a more consistent base of games being played every year and a bit of money too, that will help promote more boys to play for their heritage and country of choice.”

There have been reports the Kangaroos have been in talks to play Tonga in a Test match in Hawaii in October this year.

Taumalolo admitted he’s keen to be involved.

“I think it’d be a great idea, taking a game overseas and expanding the game a bit into other countries,” he said.

“I’m fully with that decision if that happens, and if it does hopefully I’ll be a part of it.”