North Queensland Cowboys and Queensland Maroons State of Origin winger Murray Taulagi is set to link up with rugby union in the South of France.
The winger is off-contract at the end of this year and had an offer on the table from North Queensland, but it was withdrawn after the process dragged out.
Taulagi was then set to join the Sydney Roosters, with the club making an offer to add to their backline depth.
He has now made the decision to pursue the rival code, according to reports revealed by News Corp.
The Roosters have lost several outside backs in recent years, with the club losing Joseph Manu, Joseph Suaalii and Mark Nawaqanitawase (at the end of this year) to rugby union.
The tri-colours have since unearthed Robert Toia as a State of Origin centre, and have the injury-prone Billy Smith among their ranks, while also picking up Reuben Garrick from the Manly Sea Eagles next year.
With Daniel Tupou closing in on retirement, it gives the Roosters an opportunity to have him hold down one wing option for the next 12 months, while outside back stars in Cody Ramsey and Rex Bassingthwaite have held their own when elevating to the NRL side.
Taulagi has history with the 15-man code, and was a union star in high school before he was signed to make the switch to the Cowboys.
It is expected the 27-year-old will play inside or outside centre for a Top 14 side, the same competition Joseph Manu currently plays in.
The deal is expected to be as long as three years, which still leaves Taulagi with an option to return to the NRL before he faces retirement.
Taulagi has played over 120 NRL games since his debut in 2019, with an incredible strike rate of 72 tries in that time.
He has made 16 appearances this year and scored 11 tries on the wing in a Cowboys outfit pushing for a finals appearance.
Along with representing Australia and Samoa at Test level, Taulagi has donned the Queensland Maroons State of Origin jersey six times.
Incoming Sharks duo Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa will ease the pressure felt by the dual international's departure from the club.
Taulagi has been named to start on the wing in the Cowboys' trip to face Parramatta on Saturday night.
