Taulagi’s Move to French Rugby
North Queensland Cowboys and Queensland Maroons State of Origin winger Murray Taulagi is reportedly set to transition to rugby union, with a move to a Top 14 club in France. Taulagi, who was off-contract at the end of the current year, had previously been linked with a move to the Sydney Roosters. However, he has now opted to pursue a career in the rival code, according to recent reports.
Taulagi’s contract offer from the Cowboys was withdrawn after negotiations extended over time. The Roosters had also made an offer to enhance their backline depth. This decision marks a significant cross-code switch for the player, who grew up in New Zealand and was considered a rugby union prodigy with aspirations of playing for the All Blacks. He is expected to play at either inside or outside centre in the 15-man code.
The deal for Taulagi is anticipated to be a multi-year agreement, potentially spanning as long as three years. This duration could still provide him with an opportunity to return to the NRL before his career concludes. Taulagi has a notable history in rugby union, having been a star in high school before joining the Cowboys.
His departure follows a trend of outside backs leaving the Roosters for rugby union, including Joseph Manu, Joseph Suaalii, and Mark Nawaqanitawase, who is also set to leave at the end of the year. The Roosters have since brought in Reuben Garrick from the Manly Sea Eagles for next season and have developed players like Robert Toia.
Taulagi has played over 120 NRL games since his debut in 2019, scoring 72 tries. This season, he has made 16 appearances and scored 11 tries, contributing to the Cowboys’ push for a finals spot. He has also represented Australia and Samoa at Test level and has worn the Queensland Maroons State of Origin jersey six times.
Raiders’ Forward Movements
The Canberra Raiders are actively working to retain star back rower Hudson Young, who has attracted interest from the Chiefs. The Raiders have presented Young with a substantial contract offer in an effort to secure his services before he becomes available on the open market on November 1. Reports suggest the offer is significant, potentially reaching up to $1.1 million with ratchet clauses.
Discussions are scheduled to take place next week between Young’s agent, Sam Ayoub, and the Raiders. Young’s options reportedly include remaining in Canberra or moving to Papua New Guinea. The club is said to be making a strong effort to keep him, especially with other key forwards set to depart.
Meanwhile, the future of forward Corey Horsburgh has reportedly been settled, with his move to the Perth Bears for next season expected to be finalised in the coming days. Horsburgh’s departure follows a recent incident where he was sin-binned in Round 23. The deal with Perth is reportedly for three years and valued at over $2 million.
The Raiders are also set to lose enforcer Josh Papali’i at the end of the season. The potential loss of Young, alongside Papali’i and Horsburgh, would represent a significant blow to coach Ricky Stuart’s team, particularly as Young is seen as a crucial link between experienced players and emerging talents like Noah Martin.
Bulldogs and Panthers Recruitment
The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are facing a challenge to retain back rower Jacob Preston, whose agent has indicated he will enter the open market on November 1. Preston is considered one of the game’s promising young edge forwards. While Preston is keen to remain with the Bulldogs, there is a reported disparity between the club’s latest offer and his expectations.
The Bulldogs’ financial situation is complicated by the long-term, high-value contract of their other starting back rower, Viliame Kikau, who is on a contract worth approximately $800,000 per season. This could potentially lead to Preston seeking opportunities with a rival club. Other Bulldogs players expected to be on the open market include Matt Burton, Max King, and Mitchell Woods.
In other transfer news, the Penrith Panthers have strengthened their forward depth for 2027 by reportedly signing Liam Le Blanc from the Rabbitohs. Le Blanc, a 21-year-old from North Queensland, has played in six NRL games this season and 27 games since his debut in 2024. This signing comes as the Panthers anticipate losing several forwards at the end of the season, including Liam Henry and Scott Sorensen to Perth, Toby Crosby to the Super League, and Freddy Lussick to Canterbury.
The Panthers have also extended the contracts of Mitch Kenny and Tom Jenkins, though Brian To’o is set to join the PNG Chiefs from 2028. Meanwhile, veteran halfback Daly Cherry-Evans is reportedly considering a move to the Super League, with talks underway with Hull FC for a potential one-year deal, as his NRL career with the Roosters is expected to conclude at the end of this season.
Taulagi is named to start on the wing for the Cowboys in their upcoming match against Parramatta on Saturday night.
Source: foxsports.com.au
