Ash Taylor says it’s been a journey to 100 games, but it’s a milestone he is proud to achieve.
Joining the Titans in 2016, after previously playing just one NRL game with the Broncos, Taylor says he immediately felt at home on the Coast.
“The boys really welcomed me at this Club back then,” he said.
“I wasn’t even expected to play first grade (in my first year).
“We had Kane Elgey and Tyrone Roberts here, so I was third string until Kane hurt himself which gave me my opportunity.
“The Club has stuck with me over the years so it is great to repay them.”
The five-eighth says it wasn’t always a guarantee that he would reach the 100 game mark.
"When I took that time off (in 2019) I didn't think I was going to make it," Taylor said.
"I didn't think I was going to be back, so to come back now and to be in the mind frame I am now it's very exciting for me, my family, my teammates, this club.
"It means a lot to me."
The Toowoomba Brothers junior will play his 100th NRL game in round one against the Warriors, before notching his 100th Titans game in round two.
The 25-year-old will celebrate a birthday two days before the Titans take on the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium, with Taylor looking to celebrate another milestone against his former club.
"I love my role now," Taylor said.
"In previous years it's been tough, but now we've got Jamal steering the ship and me just playing my role in the team.
"If I own that it makes everyone else's role in the team easier.
“We’ve just got to keep the same mindset – run hard and play hard.
“That’s how I love playing footy, play what’s in front of us and that’s what we’ll do on the weekend.”
Having already nearly called time on his NRL career, worrying about his playing future is something Taylor said he's learned not to focus on.
"If you're worried about the now the future will look after itself," he said.
"I've really learned that over my last six years at this club."
