Murray Taulagi has been ruled out of North Queensland’s Round 18 clash with a minor knee injury, the club confirmed ahead of Saturday’s fixture.
The Cowboys winger had been named in the starting line-up earlier this week, but his withdrawal sees Braidon Burns slot into the backline.
It’s another injury blow for Taulagi, who had already missed time earlier this year due to a calf issue that saw him sidelined from Queensland’s State of Origin opener in May.
The 26-year-old is only expected to miss one week with the latest setback.
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A disrupted year continues for Taulagi
This marks another frustrating interruption in a stop-start season for the speedster.
In May, Taulagi was on track to earn a starting berth in Origin I, only to be ruled out after pulling up sore from a loss to Manly. That injury cost him a potential series debut and opened the door for Selwyn Cobbo to retain his spot on the Maroons’ wing.
While this current injury isn’t expected to linger, Taulagi’s absence is one of several selection challenges for the Cowboys, who are already under pressure heading into the business end of the season.
Despite the regular setbacks, Taulagi remains a key figure in the Cowboys’ plans. His likely return next week will come as welcome relief for coach Todd Payten as the club looks to stabilise its backline and push for consistency in the final stretch.