Injury update: North Queensland Cowboys star in doubt for NRL clash with Melbourne Storm

Cowboys coach Todd Payten provided an injury update on a trio of his star players, revealing an expected return date for Murray Taulagi and Jason Taumalolo. Read the latest news coming out of Cowboys HQ.

Reece Robson of the Cowboys is tackled by Sione Fainu of the Tigers during the round 13 NRL match between North Queensland Cowboys and Wests Tigers at Queensland Country Bank Stadium on May 31, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

North Queensland hooker Reece Robson is still under an injury cloud and in doubt to play on Friday night, despite being named at No.9 for this week’s blockbuster against the Melbourne Storm.

Robson came off with half an hour to play in round 13 after experiencing hamstring tightness following his instrumental role in New South Wales’ Origin win just four days earlier.

Cowboys coach Todd Payten said his hooker still needed to pass a number of clearances to be allowed to play the Storm.

“He’s in some doubt, he’s got to get the body moving. We’ll just be guided by the medical team and then make a call come captain’s run – but he’s got a couple of boxes to tick,” Payten said.

Harry Edwards filled in at dummy half against the Tigers when Robson left the field and would be one option for Payten, while Sea Eagles recruit Karl Lawton has been named in the reserves and could be elevated to the starting side.

Jazz Tevaga of the Sea Eagles is tackled by Harry Edwards of the Cowboys during the round eleven NRL match between Cowboys and Sea Eagles at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, on May 17, 2025, in Townsville, Australia. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)

The Cowboys will also be without Jason Taumalolo and Murray Taulagi for at least another week after both players failed to prove their fitness.

Taumalolo has not played since round 9, while Taulagi has been absent since the Cowboys’ round 11 defeat to the Sea Eagles.

Jason Taumalolo of the Cowboys reacts after the round nine NRL match between the New Zealand Warriors and North Queensland Cowboys at Suncorp Stadium on May 03, 2025, in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Payten said the pair of international stars “just didn’t come up to the mark” for an injury return, predicting both would be fit to play the Dolphins on Saturday, June 14.

“We need them to get a full week of training under their belt before playing at NRL level and they both weren’t there this week, given that was a six-day turn off the back of last weekend’s game,” Payten said.

“Next week we’ve got a longer turnaround, we expect them on the pitch Monday, Wednesday and Friday and be right to play against the Dolphins.”

The Cowboys have the opportunity to leapfrog the Sharks into fifth place with a win in Melbourne before Cronulla hosts the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday.

North Queensland plays the Storm on Friday in Melbourne. Kick-off is at 6pm.

Originally published as Injury update: North Queensland Cowboys star in doubt for NRL clash with Melbourne Storm