Taulagi working hard to nail down start
MURRAY Taulagi is doing all he can to make up for lost time.
A knee injury may have presented some obstacles for the young Cowboy in 2019, but he has been putting in the extras away from training to keep himself fit and in the selection frame.
Despite the setbacks of last year, the dynamic flyer pulled on the North Queensland jumper six times and scored two tries in the process.
He has had a taste of NRL football and is thirsty for more.
Positions are still up for grabs in the North Queensland backline and, at this early stage, Taulagi’s focus is on putting his best forward to be in the coaches’ minds before round one selection.
But he said the competition for spots would only make him better, and hopefully his own form could make his teammates better too.
“We’re all very big boys in the outside backs and bring similar attributes to the team. We all like running hard, we’re all quick and very strong when we’re carrying the ball,” Taulagi said.
“It was really good getting that little taste of first grade and playing with some of the Cowboys legends.
“When I first came back it felt a bit better this year compared to last year with that little experience in the NRL under my belt. It was very good coming back and feeling that sense of belonging.”
The Taulagi family is not short on talent, with the 20year-old’s older brother JamieJerry Taulagi plying his trade in France’s Top 14 rugby union competition.
Watching his older brother debut in Super Rugby proved an inspiration for the younger Taulagi as he prepares to own a position on the Cowboys’ flank.
“He’s all right, he’s having a bit of fun over there. He said he loves his time over in France,” Taulagi said.