Murray Taulagi might have played his last game in the NRL, as the Queensland winger has been sidelined for the rest of the season due to another concussion.
The 2026 season saw Taulagi suffer his third concussion after a head injury during training, leading an independent doctor to rule him out for six weeks.
This recent incident means the North Queensland Cowboys winger won't take the field again this season, marking a disappointing conclusion to his time with the club as he plans to move to France for Rugby.
"He's seen the independent doctor, and he's stood down for six weeks," said Payten.
"It's really disappointing, heartbreaking for him to finish that way with the club. I think everyone's taken it pretty hard initially, but it's important that what he does with the club for the next little period, he finishes on a good note within the building."
"Everyone's disappointed for him, and he'll be sadly missed."
Taulagi's future in the NRL was already set to take him away from Townsville, as the 26-year-old plans a cross-code move to French Rugby in 2027.
He had been strongly linked to the Sydney Roosters, with his management initially suggesting he would stay in the NRL.
However, his plans shifted, and Taulagi is now poised to take his career to Europe.