North Queensland have signed Manly utility Karl Lawton on a two-year contract from subsequent yr.
The 28-year-old has performed as a hooker, second-rower and off the bench for Gold Coast, the Warriors and Sea Eagles in 87 video games.
Cowboys legend Jake Granville is within the twilight of his profession and whereas the 2015 premiership-winning hero is but to name it quits, Lawton will present glorious cowl within the function that the 35-year-old now performs.
Cowboys common supervisor of soccer Micheal Luck mentioned Lawton could be a sterling assist to NSW hooker Reece Robson.
“We’re thrilled to have the ability to safe a participant of Karl’s expertise for 2025 and past,” Luck mentioned.
“He brings all of the attributes Todd Payten loves as a coach – competitiveness, health, ability and flexibility.
“We’re blessed to have a world-class hooker in Reece Robson and a lot of proficient dummy halves coming via our junior system and we imagine Karl shall be each a beautiful assist for Reece and mentor to our rising gamers.”
In the meantime Payten mentioned he hoped Queensland consultant winger Murray Taulagi could be again “across the two-week mark” after struggling a hamstring harm within the 27-20 round-six loss to Parramatta.
Fiji worldwide Semi Valemei will exchange Taulagi away to Cronulla on Sunday.
“We aren’t going to overlook a lot,” Payten mentioned.
“He was a shandy off being within the round-one group and carried out very well within the trials.
“We noticed what he can do for us final yr the place he carries the ball actually sturdy, can discover the tryline and makes actually good choices (in defence).
“I’m excited for him and he is been actually affected person {and professional} across the group.”
