Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
The Murray Taulagi Cowboys cleanout has escalated at the North Queensland Cowboys, with the representative winger reportedly given permission to negotiate with rival NRL clubs as part of a broader roster reshuffle that also includes Scott Drinkwater being allowed to test the open market. The development, reported by CODE Sports, comes as the Cowboys continue shaping their squad for future seasons and reassessing the balance of their backline. It follows earlier moves involving young talent Jaxson Purdue, signalling a significant period of transition for the Townsville based club.
Taulagi, who has represented Queensland in State of Origin and has been a key figure in the Cowboys’ outside backs in recent seasons, is off contract at the end of the current campaign and has not yet secured an extension for 2027. The situation has opened the door for rival clubs to begin monitoring his availability as discussions with North Queensland stall.
Cowboys backline reset takes shape
The Cowboys’ decision to allow Taulagi to explore options comes amid wider changes to their roster planning, with the club also confirming Scott Drinkwater is free to negotiate elsewhere. Both players have been considered central figures in North Queensland’s attacking structure in recent years, making the shift in approach a notable one.
Taulagi’s power running, finishing ability and experience at representative level have made him one of the most reliable edge backs at the club. However, ongoing negotiations over a new deal have not progressed in recent months, leading to uncertainty over his long term future in Townsville.
From a recruitment standpoint, the Cowboys are understood to be reviewing their salary cap balance and long term squad composition as they attempt to maintain competitiveness while integrating younger players into key positions.
Sydney Roosters monitoring situation closely
The Sydney Roosters have emerged as a potential destination for Murray Taulagi as they continue planning for changes to their outside backs ahead of the 2027 NRL season. According to CODE Sports, the Roosters have made contact to gauge interest, with the club assessing multiple options across their roster.
The Bondi based club is already preparing for significant shifts in their wing stocks, with Mark Nawaqanitawase set to depart at the end of the season. Veteran winger Daniel Tupou is also weighing up his future, with a decision expected in the coming weeks that could influence the club’s recruitment direction.
Should Tupou remain, the Roosters have also secured Reuben Garrick from the Manly Sea Eagles, which may reduce the urgency to add another high profile outside back. However, Taulagi’s ability to play at both NRL and representative level keeps him firmly in consideration as clubs assess long term depth on the edges.
Representative pedigree boosts market value
Murray Taulagi’s value on the open market is underpinned by his consistency at NRL level and his experience in State of Origin football with Queensland. His combination of size, speed and finishing ability has made him a strong contributor in attacking sets, particularly when finishing structured plays near the try line.
Over recent seasons, he has developed into a dependable winger for North Queensland, regularly featuring in high pressure matches and contributing both defensively and in yardage carries coming out of his own end. His profile as a representative player adds further weight to his potential appeal for rival clubs assessing outside back depth.
With multiple teams across the competition managing salary cap pressures and long term roster planning, quality wingers of Taulagi’s calibre remain in demand.
Cowboys future direction becomes clearer
The Cowboys’ willingness to allow both Taulagi and Drinkwater to explore rival opportunities indicates a broader strategic shift as they look to reshape their squad. While the club has invested in emerging talent such as Jaxson Purdue, the potential departure of established backs suggests a transition phase in Townsville.
Taulagi’s situation is now expected to develop as rival clubs assess their own roster needs heading into the next contract cycle. With no extension agreed and permission granted to negotiate elsewhere, his future increasingly appears set to be decided away from the Cowboys unless talks reopen in the coming weeks.