{"id":398437,"date":"2026-04-26T12:39:09","date_gmt":"2026-04-26T12:39:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/398437\/"},"modified":"2026-04-26T12:39:09","modified_gmt":"2026-04-26T12:39:09","slug":"maroons-star-to-be-sidelined-for-several-weeks-after-multiple-head-knocks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/398437\/","title":{"rendered":"Maroons star to be sidelined for “several weeks” after multiple head knocks"},"content":{"rendered":"

North Queensland Cowboys<\/a> and QLD Maroons<\/a> representative Murray Taulagi<\/a> is set for an extended stint on the sidelines after a nasty head knock against the Cronulla Sharks<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is his second in three weeks, with Cowboys coach Todd Payten<\/a> outlining that despite the HIA’s 11-day stand down policy, he will miss further time.<\/p>\n

“Yeah, not great,” Payten responded when asked in his post-match press conference how Taulagi was doing in the sheds.<\/p>\n

“It’s his second one in three weeks, so he’s going to be out for several weeks.<\/p>\n

“I dont know how long exactly, but it’s definitely two weeks plus.”<\/p>\n

The incident saw Taulagi lower his head to tackle wrecking ball Sharks centre Siosifa Talakai<\/a>.<\/p>\n

However, at the last moment of contact, Talakai raised a knee which caught Taulagi dazed as play went on until the end of the set.<\/p>\n

He was escorted off the field for a HIA, with action being taken on Talakai for a raised knee, resulting in him being placed on report.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It is an enormous loss to lose a player of Taulagi’s calibre, however, Payten has already revealed who will fill in for the winger during his absence.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Rising outside back Zac Laybutt<\/a> will be brought into the side to cover Taulagi.\u00a0<\/p>\n

“Zaccy (Laybutt) deserves to be there, the way he performed last week, highly talented kid,” Payten said.<\/p>\n

“I could tell he was disappointed with not being in the team this week after the way he played last week.<\/p>\n

“He’s about the team, he gets an opportunity next week.”<\/p>\n

Taulagi remains off-contract for next year, yet to be re-signed by the Cowboys.<\/p>\n

He was linked to a move to Bondi<\/a>, with a change of guard in the outside backs including Mark Nawaqanitawase<\/a> leaving for rugby union and Daniel Tupou<\/a> edging closer to retirement.<\/p>\n

The Origin representative would be an ideal fit for a lot of sides struggling with outside back depth, boasting speed, skill and has proven to be an elite finisher in the modern game.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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