PLEDGE OF SUPPORT
Titans get behind star halfback as he deals with personal issues
TITANS coach Garth Brennan has vowed to help Ash Taylor through his mental-health battle after his star playmaker’s shock decision to take an indefinite break from the NRL.
Brennan last night said he is “rattled” by Taylor’s free fall as the one-time Queensland hopeful struggles to deal with the ruthless scrutiny of being Gold Coast’s $1 million player.
The under-pressure Titans coach also scuppered suggestions Taylor’s form slump this season is a by-product of a personality clash with Brennan.
Ground down by harsh social media criticism, Taylor will take a sabbatical from the game to have counselling.
It is understood the 24year-old is not considering giving the game away, but is dealing with some family matters which have added to his stress.
“I’m here for Ash,” a shellshocked Brennan said last night. “This has rattled me.
“It’s such a sensitive issue for us as a club.
“Ash has some issues going on and he needs to deal with them.
“There are things in life that are more important than rugby league.
“I’ve told Ash not to worry about rugby league.
“I learnt a few weeks ago that there’s more to life than football. After the Bulldogs game, I came off and got a text message that a good mate of mine had a heart attack and died and that puts things in perspective.
“As a club we are all here behind Ash. His welfare is of the utmost importance to us.”
Asked if Taylor had entered a mental-health facility, Brennan said: “That’s something the club and Mel Meninga (culture boss) will deal with, this is all very early. We’ll do whatever we need to get him back on the field.”
The club issued a statement yesterday which said Taylor had been granted leave to deal with personal issues. The Titans have been major disappointments this season and Taylor, the club’s chief shot-caller, has become the focal point of criticism.
The club has won three of their opening 12 games to sit 15th on the ladder.
It has been speculated that Taylor and Brennan do not see eye-to-eye but the Titans coach set the record straight.
“My relationship with Ash is great. We have a very tight relationship. That’s why I’m so upset by this,” he said.
“He’s had a tough year with injury that hasn’t helped his form but there’s other pressures that have affected his mindset and his football.”
Taylor missed training yesterday and his absence means Ryley Jacks is a strong chance of playing in Sunday’s Round 13 clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.