THE PAIN TRAIN
Taylor opens up about the moment his Maroons State of Origin exile truly sunk in
DAVE Taylor has opened up about the “hurt” of his State of Origin axing and vowed to fight his way back into the Queensland juggernaut before the series is over.
Taylor featured in Games Two and Three of last year’s series, the first Queensland had lost since 2005.
But he was overlooked for the series opener in Sydney last week as the Maroons selectors opted for youth in the form of debutants Josh McGuire and Michael Morgan, resulting in an 11-10 win.
With Roosters hitman Dylan Napa the next forward off the rank, Taylor could be facing a battle to add to his tally of eight Origin appearances. But the 26-year-old Gold Coast wrecking ball is refusing to give up on his dream of representing Queensland again and has set his sights on dominating for the Titans.
“I sort of expected it. I had a couple of shocking games,” Taylor admitted of his omission from Origin.
“It didn’t hurt through the week and but when I sat down and watched the game it really hurt. I really miss it.
“It’s the pinnacle of this game. That’s where everyone wants to play.”
Taylor came off the bench in the Gold Coast’s 22-16 loss to South Sydney on Saturday and ran for a team-high 130m playing in the front-row.
It was one of his better performances this season but it’s unlikely Queensland will change their side for Game Two at the MCG on June 17.
Still, Taylor said he hadn’t lost his drive to play in league’s toughest arena.
“I just wanted to try my hardest (against the Rabbitohs) and put myself back into the light,” he said.
“I doubt they’ll change the side but I’ve got to be playing my best football to put myself in position to be there.”
Taylor started his career as a prop but has played most of his 159 NRL matches in the back-row.
Titans coach Neil Henry was looking for his 120kg frame to add some impact off the bench and Taylor said he was happy to move into the engine room.
The Titans have a short turnaround before Friday’s away trip to Leichhardt Oval to face the Tigers and Henry said Taylor’s momentum was needed.
“Dave Taylor added a bit of momentum off the bench which we know he can,” he said.
“He delivered a couple of fine runs for us.”