Murray Taulagi's Sydney Roosters move is off with the Queensland State of Origin winger instead poised to make a code switch to French rugby.

Taulagi had widely been expected to join the Roosters next year after it became apparent he would not remain at North Queensland in 2027.

However it's understood a medical with the Roosters was pushed back through Origin, and AAP has been told the 27-year-old will instead act on overseas interest.

Taulagi has scored 72 tries in 124 matches since debuting for the Cowboys in 2019, cracking the Queensland Origin set up in 2022.  

The Cowboys have already moved on, landing Cronulla pair Jesse Ramien and Sione Katoa for next year.

Taulagi's French rugby move could have wider ramifications for the Roosters, with winger Daniel Tupou off contract and yet to decide if he will play on next year.

Mark Nawaqanitawase will leave the Tri-colours for rugby at the end of the year, while the Roosters have signed Manly centre Reuben Garrick on a three-year deal.

Meanwhile, Matt Lodge's NRL career appears over with the Cowboys prop set to make an immediate move to Leeds Rhinos in the English Super League.

AAP understands Lodge farewelled Cowboys players on Wednesday, with a deal with the ladder-leading Rhinos expected to be complete as early as Thursday.

The prop has left North Queensland on good terms, but was off-contract at the end of this season and is keen for the chance to play more football.

Lodge has played 15 games for the Cowboys this year, but his match time has dried up since round 14 with a total of just 60 minutes on the field in that time.

The 31-year-old had been off-contract at the end of 2026 and the move means he has likely played his last game in the NRL.

After bursting onto the scene as a 19-year-old at Wests Tigers, Lodge's career was put on hold after a high-profile off-field incident in New York.

The front-rower spent two years out of the NRL before being handed a lifeline at Brisbane in 2018 and playing nearly 150 NRL games.

He has since spent time at the Warriors, Sydney Roosters and Manly, before knocking back an option at the Sea Eagles for 2026 to move to North Queensland.