TAYLOR MADE FOR SIX
SWITCH PAYS OFF FOR STAR
ASH Taylor does not believe one good performance means he has his mojo back, but the Titans playmaker knows he’s on the right path to discovering his career-best form.
The Gold Coast’s million-dollar man on Sunday night helped steer the Titans to their first victory in 364 days, playing a starring role in their 28-23 win over the Tigers.
Taylor, who put on two tries for wingers Anthony Don and Brian Kelly, has been lauded for his composure and for leading the Titans in their impressive comeback.
The 25-year-old had to take time away from the game last year as he dealt with mental health issues and has struggled to find his feet since his return.
On Sunday, however, he showed glimpses of his potential, after being shifted from the halfback role into the No.6 jumper.
But, while he is happy with his progress, Taylor says he has a long way to go to find his mojo.
“It’s just one game,” Taylor said. “You can’t rely on one game to bring back your best … but it’s a stepping stone. It’s something to work off and I’ll keep working hard every week.” It was not an easy night at the office for the Titans, with the Tigers racing out to a 12-0 lead in just 12 minutes after Taylor threw an intercept pass to Wests winger David Nofoaluma.
He said the Taylor of old would have “put his head down, played the rest of the game but wouldn’t have got involved”, however, with the help of his teammates and encouragement of coach Justin Holbrook, Taylor steadied the ship.
Since his arrival at the club, new coach Holbrook has had a strong influence on Taylor and made the decision to move him to five-eighth so he could leave the organising to a new halfback in Jamal Fogarty.
Taylor said the switch, plus Holbrook’s presence, had played a part in his form turnaround.
“Being a half, you’re really hard on yourself to make big plays every play but now we have Jamal in there, who’s doing a great job,” he said. “(Holbrook) has helped me massively. He plays it simple for me, he keeps a simple game plan.
“I think that’s why he switched me to five-eighth, to keep my role simple, to try to inject myself in the game so that when I do get the ball, I make something of it. I’ve really worked hard with Justin.” Taylor said the key now – not just for his own game but for the Titans’ bid to become a force in this year’s competition – was to find consistency.
Their next assignment is against the Rabbitohs on Saturday.
Taylor was yesterday slapped with a grade one offence for his 67th-minute incident with Wests Tigers second-rower Luke Garner.
The charge attracts a 100-point penalty, however, Taylor will be free if he takes the early guilty plea.
Teammate Sam Lisone is in the same position, issued with a grade one dangerous contact charge.