Fatherhood and time away rejuvenate Taylor
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Titans halfback Ash Taylor says time working on his mental health and the arrival of a son have him in a good head space to throw himself back into the pressure-packed world of NRL football.
Taylor, who also hinted that Tyrone Peachey was a big chance of working his way into the halves at the Titans in 2020, didn't elaborate on the "personal issues" that forced him to take time out in 2019, saying he wanted to leave them in the past.
"I've been training really hard, Justin [Holbrook] has brought some new faces in and a fresh new system so just looking forward to the season that's ahead," Taylor said.
He praised the support from his parents and partner, with whom he welcomed a son.
"It was really exciting to see the support base I had around me to get me through some situations and the addition to my young fella, he's really changed my life and I'm just really excited to perform for him.
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"I'm feeling strong and fit for this season, my mental game is a lot stronger this year than it was recently, I've been working on that since I took time off. I'm still seeing specialists today.
"It's a long-term thing for me to get myself better. I'm not in it just for footy, I'm in it for past footy as well. I'm really working hard to get my head space right for the season and to keep it right throughout the season as well."
Taylor described new coach Holbrook as an up-front type who knows what he wants out of the team and has given everyone a specific role.
"We've been working hard especially on our defence over the break, everyone's on the same page now and we'll continue that with our attack as well. I'm really excited because its new and fresh and a lot different to what we've been doing in the past," Taylor added.
Taylor expected his play to be more hands-on, similar to the role he had played for Tweed last season in which he netted 10 try assists in six games.
"He wants us to play what's in front of us. There's not much structure at the moment, we want to see what's in front of us and we're just going to play with it," Taylor said.
Taylor said the four-into-two halves equation at the club, with Peachey, Tanah Boyd, Tyrone Roberts and himself battling for positions, would keep the quartet on their toes.
While most are expecting Taylor and Roberts to get first crack in the halves, Taylor said he is still fighting for his own spot. Peachey, who has been spending time training at five-eighth, adds to the possible combinations heading into round one.
"I can't really tell who's going to be five-eighth at the moment but everyone's willing to put their hand up for five-eighth and halfback," Taylor said.
"I don't really have a preference [who plays five-eighth], I'm still fighting for my position. We're all working hard, Tyrone Peachey is really dynamic at five-eighth and he ended last year playing in the middle and anywhere, he's one of those players who can play anywhere.
"Tyrone [Roberts] had a massive year last year until he hurt his Achilles, there's a real tussle going there in the halves."
