It wasn't too long ago North Queensland winger Murray Taulagi produced his own Houdini act to stun Wests Tigers in magic round with a freakish try-assist that shook the NRL world.
Nine rounds later and fresh off a debut for Queensland in State of Origin, Taulagi has emerged as one of the form flyers in rugby league with acrobatic putdowns and a knack for an intercept.
The 23-year-old has scored 11 tries in 2022 and leads the NRL in intercepts with five.
Fresh off a game two debut for Queensland before missing game three to COVID-19, Taulagi returns for the Cowboys in their home clash with Wests Tigers on Sunday.
He said he was "rattled" when the positive result came through and it was tough for himself and his family to be ruled out of Origin III.
But returning to the Cowboys he has a sense of "awe" about Origin camp and is ecstatic to return for a home clash against the Tigers.
"I'm really excited, feel like I haven't played at home in a while," Taulagi said on Tuesday.
"It was pretty tough to watch the boys on Friday just wishing I was out there.
"Sunday afternoon games are always good, hopefully the heat comes out too."
Another Cowboy still making his mark in 2022 is fan favourite Jake Granville, who on Monday inked an extension with the Cowboys through to the 2023 season.
The club activated an option in his contract that will see the hooker turned utility remain with the club for a ninth year.
Granville, 33, is the sixth oldest player in the NRL and says his longevity is due to the promising youth in their squad.
"It creeps up on you pretty quick," Granville joked when told he was sixth on the team-elders list.
"We've got a great young squad here that keeps me a bit younger maybe, but I'm still enjoying my footy and I'll keep trying my best for the Cowboys."
