Murray Taulagi may have played his final NRL game, with the Queensland winger ruled out for the remainder of the season following another concussion.
Taulagi suffered his third concussion of 2026 after copping a head knock at training, with an independent doctor subsequently standing him down for six weeks.
The latest setback means the North Queensland Cowboys winger will not feature again this season, bringing his time with the club to an unfortunate end as he is set to join Rugby in France.
“He's seen the independent doctor, and he's stood down for six weeks,” Payten said.
“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 NRL future was already set to take him away from Townsville, with the 26-year-old opting for a cross-code switch to French Rugby in 2027.
He had been heavily linked with a move to the Sydney Roosters, with his management initially giving the Cowboys an indication that he would remain in the NRL.
However, those plans ultimately changed, with Taulagi now set to continue his career in Europe.
“He's a real bubbly, infectious, important part of our team and I'm going to miss his cheek. He's got an opportunity overseas playing rugby in France, and I think he's very excited about that,” Payten said.
“The initial parts of our discussions, everything was indicating that he was going to go to a Sydney club, and through rumour and innuendo we sort of asked his management, ‘we kind of need to know so other options don't dry up'.
“They were clear and honest with us, and as things worked out, it didn't end up the way that they told us. So that's what happened, and we've moved on and signed a couple of players. Disappointing that he's not here, but he's in good hands.”
Payten was referring to the double signing of Sharks winger Sione Katoa and centre Jesse Ramien, who will both make the move to Townsville next season on two-year contracts.
While the Cowboys had already moved to fill the void for next season, Taulagi's third concussion will bring an abrupt end to a seven-year career with the club.
The 26-year-old made his NRL debut for North Queensland in 2019 and has remained in Townsville ever since, going on to establish himself as a regular first-grade winger and Queensland Maroons representative on six occasions.
