Warriors upgrade Taylor to full-timer
The Warriors have added yet another playmaker to their 2022 squad, promoting Ash Taylor from his train and trial deal to a full-time roster spot.
Taylor’s signing was always an intriguing one for the Warriors, who brought back Shaun Johnson for the 2022 campaign and recently offered Chanel Harristavita a multi-year contract extension.
With Kodi Nikorima also on the books for 2022, coach Nathan Brown will have plenty of combinations at his disposal in the playmaking roles.
“We’re excited to confirm Ash is staying with us. He has been a great addition since joining the club and has more than met our expectations,” said Warriors general manager of football Craig Hodges.
“He has added so much with his training ethic, enthusiasm and all-round contribution.”
For Taylor, having his contract upgraded is the next step towards NRL redemption.
The 26-year-old joined the club after falling out of favour with the Gold Coast Titans in recent seasons. The Titans signed him to a hefty contract reportedly worth $1 million per year ahead of the 2018 season, but after not getting the best out of the five-eighth in the following campaigns, chose not to offer him a new deal when his contract expired at the end of the 2021 season.
With more than 100 NRL games, Taylor is a seasoned campaigner, and losing the $1 million man tag may well take some weight off his shoulders.
There is every chance that Brown will opt for three playmakers in his matchday 17, with Nikorima having been used in a utility role off the bench towards the end of last season.
Things are likely to become clearer when NRL pre-season fixtures get under way.
The Warriors meet the Melbourne Storm on February 19 and the Gold Coast Titans a week later.