Cowboys winger Murray Taulagi is reportedly set to leave North Queensland after talks over a contract extension failed to reach an agreement.
The Maroons and Kangaroos representative has been free to negotiate with rival clubs since November 1 and has spent his entire career at the Cowboys after debuting in 2019.
He has scored 61 tries in 108 games for the Cowboys while representing both state and country, crossing for two tries in six State of Origin matches and five tries in seven Tests for Australia and Samoa.
Taulagi has built a reputation as a finisher and try-scoring strike weapon in Townsville, crossing for 12 tries in 15 games last season, though an injury-interrupted campaign cost him a spot in this year’s Maroons team.
MORE: Broncos star Payne Haas reportedly makes R360 decision
North Queensland is undergoing a major roster rebuild under Todd Payten after the Cowboys missed the finals in three of his five seasons, meaning Taulagi could be a casualty.
Players such as John Bateman, Jaxon Purdue, Zac Herdegen, Kai O’Donnell, and Karl Lawton are also off-contract in 2026, and the club faces salary cap pressures to retain its squad in full.
While the Cowboys may not offer Taulagi another deal, several clubs could be in the mix for the star winger, who would be a savvy pickup for the right team.
Parramatta has space under the salary cap following Zac Lomax’s release, opening the door for Taulagi to form a lethal wing pairing with recently re-signed Josh Addo-Carr.
The New Zealand Warriors could also target Taulagi, with Tuiivasa-Sheck reportedly set to join R360 and the club in need of new blood out wide.
Even the star-studded Sydney Roosters could have a need for the winger’s services, with Daniel Tupou having signed just a one-year extension and Mark Nawaqanitawase set to play his final season in the tri-colours in 2026 before returning to rugby union.
A move to the Roosters would see Taulagi not only feature at the end of a backline renowned for producing top try-scorers in the NRL each year, but also link up with departing Cowboys teammate Reece Robson, who is set to join the Roosters in 2026.
Expansion teams with empty rosters, such as the Perth Bears, could also see Taulagi as an exciting inaugural signing, adding instant experience and star power without breaking the bank.
For the Cowboys though, losing Taulagi would be a significant blow to their attacking depth, continuing a trend seen with the departures of multiple veteran players over the last few years including the likes of Valentine Holmes, signaling that a rebuild could be underway.
Talks are expected to intensify in the coming weeks as rival clubs line up to secure him, and given his form and the demand for quality wingers, there could be a long queue of suitors.