Manly’s Lawton signs with Cowboys on two-year deal

“We’re thrilled to be able to secure a player of Karl’s experience for 2025 and beyond,” Luck stated.

“He possesses all the qualities Todd Payten values in a coach: skill, versatility, competitiveness, and fitness.

“We are blessed to have a world-class hooker in Reece Robson and a number of talented dummy halves coming through our junior system and we believe Karl will be both a wonderful support for Reece and mentor to our emerging players.”

Meanwhile Payten said he hoped Queensland representative winger Murray Taulagi would be back “around the two-week mark” after suffering a hamstring injury in the 27-20 round-six loss to Parramatta.

Fiji international Semi Valemei will replace Taulagi away to Cronulla on Sunday.

“We are not going to miss much,” Payten said.

“He was a shandy off being in the round-one team and performed really well in the trials.

“We saw what he can do for us last year where he carries the ball really strong, can find the tryline and makes really good decisions (in defence).

“I am excited for him and he’s been really patient and professional around the group.”