Gold Coast Titans grant under fire half Ash Taylor personal leave

Ground down by harsh social media criticism and a torrent of unflattering remarks following the Titans’ loss to the Cowboys, Ash Taylor will take a sabbatical from the game he loves to have counselling.

Titans coach Garth Brennan has vowed to help Ash Taylor through his mental-health battle after his star playmaker’s shock decision to take an indefinite break from the NRL.

Brennan told The Courier-Mail he was “rattled” by Taylor’s freefall as the one-time Queensland Origin hopeful struggles to deal with the ruthless scrutiny of being the Gold Coast’s $1 million player.

The under-pressure Titans coach also scuppered suggestions Taylor’s form slump this season was a by-product of a personality clash with Brennan.

Ground down by harsh social media criticism and a torrent of unflattering remarks following the Titans’ 6-4 loss to the Cowboys last Sunday, Taylor will take a sabbatical from the game he loves to have counselling.

The 24-year-old is contracted until the end of 2021 after signing a $3.2 million deal in 2017 that made Taylor the highest-paid player in the Titans’ history.

It is understood he is not considering giving the game away, but is dealing with some family matters which have added to his stress.

“I’m here for Ash,” a shellshocked Brennan said.

Ash Taylor has been granted leave by the Titans. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“This has rattled me.

“It’s such a sensitive issue for us as a club.

“Ash has some issues going on and he needs to deal with them.

“There are things in life that are more important in life than rugby league. I’ve told Ash not to worry about rugby league.

“I learnt a few weeks ago that there’s more to life than football. After the Bulldogs game, I came off and got a text message that a good mate of mine had a heart attack and died and that puts things in perspective.

“As a club we are all here behind Ash — his welfare is of the utmost importance to us.”

Asked if Taylor had entered a mental-health facility, Brennan said: “That’s something the club and Mel Meninga (culture boss) will deal with, this is all very early. We’ll do whatever we need to get him back on the field.”

The club issued a statement on Thursday which said Taylor had been granted leave to deal with personal issues.

Just 12 months ago, Taylor was in serious contention to make his Queensland debut in Origin III, but his form this season, affected by a quad injury, has not matched his ability.

The Titans have been major disappointments this season and Taylor, the club’s chief shot-caller, has become the focal point of criticism.

The club has won three of their opening 12 games to sit 15th on the ladder.

Taylor’s mindset and crisis of confidence was underscored last Sunday when he refused to take a penalty kick to level the scores against the Cowboys.

It has been speculated that Taylor and Brennan do not see eye-to-eye but the Titans coach set the record straight last night.

“My relationship with Ash is great. We have a very tight relationship. That’s why I’m so upset by this,” he said.

Ash Taylor has struggled with form and injury this season. Picture: AAP

“He’s had a tough year with injury that hasn’t helped his form but there’s other pressures that have affected his mindset and his football.

“Out of respect to his family I won’t detail those things other than to say I’ll support him.

“I’m more concerned about him as a person than a footballer. We will do everything we can to look after him.

Former Titans star Preston Campbell, who has returned to the club as a mentor, recently said Taylor was lacking confidence.

“When I see Ash playing I think he is not playing his normal game because he is scared of doing something wrong,’’ Campbell said.

“It is not that he is playing badly. It is just the whole team is lacking the self belief at crucial times.’’

Taylor’s absence means Ryley Jacks is a strong chance of playing in Sunday’s round 13 clash with the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium.

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Originally published as Gold Coast Titans grant under fire half Ash Taylor personal leave