Taulagi’s adaptability earns his teammates’ admiration
ADAPTABILITY has perhaps been Murray Taulagi’s greatest take away from this season, having played alongside six centre partners throughout the year.
Despite North Queensland once again being left to rue a largely wasted season, the 22year-old winger had a breakout campaign during which he was identified as a long-term prospect at the club.
After missing out on selection in the opening two rounds of the NRL season, Taulagi soon became a staple selection for coach Todd Payten on the flank, finishing with 10 tries from 20 appearances.
His consistency was recognised by his teammates when he won the Cowboys’ players’ player award, but his combinations on the left of the field were anything but consistent.
As injuries and form slumps occurred throughout the year, Taulagi remained on the wing but was constantly juggling new partners.
Javid Bowen, Connelly Lemuelu, Hamiso Tabuai-fidow, Daejarn Asi and Jake Granville all lined up inside him at some point, while Taulagi’s own stint in the centres united him with Kane Bradley.
Taulagi said it meant he changed his approach quite regularly on game day.
Given he had a regular presence in the side, he said it was easier to adjust to his new partner than have them change their style to suit him.
“I sort of counted how many centres I had, I think I had six,” Taulagi said. “I try and adapt to the way they play.
“We have training sessions during the week, so I try talk to them about how they want me to be around the ball.
“I felt like it was easier to adapt to whoever was playing inside me.”
Murray said while representative honours were long-term goals, he was not dreaming of a State of Origin debut any time soon. For now, he wants to ensure he cements himself in the Cowboys’ line-up beyond 2022.
“Not at the moment (am I thinking about Origin),” he said. “I want to knuckle down and cement a consistent spot at the Cowboys.”