Cowboys Corner: Heilum Luki’s injury cloud, NRLW round 1, Murray Taulagi’s return

The Cowboys are prepared for their biggest weekend of the year with two teams in action as the NRLW kicks off. Catch up on the latest from both coaches including updates on Luki and Taulagi.

Cowboys Corner July 2024. Left to right: Murray Taulagi, Harata Butler and Heilum Luki. NRLW coach Ricky Henry (inset left), NRL coach Todd Payten (inset right),

North Queensland is expected to welcome back Queensland Maroons flyer Murray Taulagi just in time for a pivotal NRL clash with Cronulla.

Taulagi has recovered from a hamstring injury he sustained in round 18, opening the door for Valentine Holmes to move back to left centre to face the club he won a premiership with in 2016.

However the Cowboys may be without in-form backrower Helium Luki after the towering forward found himself under another injury cloud with a minor hamstring strain.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said he would most likely take a cautious approach with a five-day turnaround before his side takes on the Tigers at Leichhardt Oval.

“Funny one, he got through the game, didn’t report anything until our medical the next day,” Payten said.

Heilum Luki suffered a minor hamstring strain in round 20 against the Bulldogs. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

“Testing hasn’t been great throughout the week – we’re going to sit down with the medical team and see how he moves today.

“I’m very conscious that we’re going into a five-day turn, very conscious that we have some big games to go throughout the rest of the season, so (I) can’t give you an answer on that, will just see how he moves today and how confident he is in his own body.

“I’ve always put our big picture, team-first mentality, around all of the decisions that we make here internally. I’ll be guided by the medical team and the way that Heilum feels and the way that he moves and then go from there.”

Payten said a late scratching for Luki could “potentially” open the door for rookie sensation Jaxon Purdue to secure a place on the interchange, otherwise he would probably look to dynamic middle forward Tom Mikaele.

The Sharks have proven to be the Cowboys’ bogey team of the last decade, winning 11 of the past 12 contests between the two sides.

Cronulla is undefeated in four games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium and are coming off a bye.

Murray Taulagi is expected to slot back onto the left wing, shifting Valentine Holmes one inside to centre. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

Payten said his side would need to extra motivation to perform.

“Considering that we’re just in the eight and there’s seven games to go, I think that’s enough motivation,” Payten said.

“Our record against Cronulla hasn’t been great over the years and playing here at home, we’ve got to be desperate.

“They’ve got a big pack, both starting pack and the guys coming off the bench.

“I think their back five is third in the comp for metres, and then they’ve got some skill, speed and power so they’re a really good team.

“They defend really well, so limit their opportunities, make the most of ours and be patient when we’ve got the ball.”

The Cowboys play Cronulla on Saturday evening, kick-off is at 5.30pm.

‘GRITTY’ COWBOYS HAVE EYE ON NRLW FINALS

Tallisha Harden has taken on the role of Cowboys co-captain again in 2024. (Photo by Jason McCawley/Getty Images)

The Cowboys have laid down their intentions for the club’s highly anticipated sophomore NRLW season with new coach Ricky Henry determined to be more competitive.

North Queensland started well in 2023, beating eventual premiers Newcastle in round 2, but the wheels fell of the cart as injuries and inconsistency plagued the team.

With a fresh slate and a chance at redemption, Henry insisted this year’s squad would become renowned for their attitude and resilience.

“We want to be gritty. A team that doesn’t go away,” Henry said.

“Our focus has been around conditioning, being fit and ready to play, but on top of that I think we’ve got some x-factor players as well that we can call upon.

“We need to play our style of football. We know what we’ve got and we just have to do it really well and do it consistently for the whole 70 minutes.”

Kiwi Ferns coach Ricky Henry. New Zealand Kiwi Ferns training at Kings College, Auckland, New Zealand on Tuesday 17 October 2023. Photo credit: Alan Lee / www.photosport.nz

Cowboys recruit Harata Butler will face her former team for the first time after eight appearances for Cronulla in 2023.

Henry said the veteran prop would bring her trademark hardiness off the interchange.

“She got a bit of a hamstring problem about three weeks ago. She’s been on the mend and she’s come back into the squad really well,” Henry said.

“She’ll add a bit of steel for us along with Essay Banu, both those ladies will come off the bench and hopefully give us a bit of a lift there and give us some steel through the middle of the field.”

The Cowboys play the first game of five during a jam-packed Super Saturday of NRL and NRLW, kicking off at 11am in Sydney.

Originally published as Cowboys Corner: Heilum Luki’s injury cloud, NRLW round 1, Murray Taulagi’s return