Winger Murray Taulagi's aspirations of finishing his career in league with an NRL premiership have been dashed, as North Queensland coach Todd Payten announced he will be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Payten confirmed that the Queensland representative has signed a contract to join a French rugby union club, marking his transition to a new sport.
This news follows speculation about Taulagi potentially moving to the Sydney Roosters after his current contract ended.
However, along with the announcement about his switch, the 27-year-old was ruled out for six weeks due to a concussion sustained during a training drill last week.
The Cowboys have two regular-season games left, and if they make it to the finals, they could play four more matches.
"He was carrying the ball in a contact drill, a pretty standard drill for us, and he just copped a collision right on the end of the cheek. The vision's not real good," Payten stated on Friday.
"It's just a tough way for him to finish with the club... He's been here for quite a while, became a regular first grader and Origin player in that time, and was a real bubbly, infectious, important part of the team."
Since Taulagi had already dealt with concussions earlier this season, Payten noted that the 27-year-old understood another one would lead to a significant absence due to strict NRL stand-down policies.
Despite Taulagi's injury, the team welcomed back star halfback Tom Dearden (leg) and second-rower Jeremiah Nanai (hamstring) for their important clash against the Wests Tigers on Saturday.
Dearden's return is crucial since the Cowboys currently sit in eighth place, and losing either of their last two matches could jeopardize their spot in the top eight.
"He plays direct, and he's a real strong voice and presence out in the field, and I like what he's done in the last couple of days," Payten said about Dearden.
"He's been more prominent in sitting with the coaches in the last eight weeks than he ever has... It's been good for him to see it from a different lens."
The Tigers hope to channel the spirit of their 2005 grand final victory at Queensland Bank Country Stadium, aiming to hinder Dearden's return and North Queensland's chances of making the finals.
Fresh off one of the season's biggest upsets against the Roosters last Sunday, Wests will benefit from prop Terrell May rejoining the starting lineup and winger Sunia Turuva (knee) entering off the bench while Alex Twal is out due to concussion.
