Why time away from football might be just what Ash Taylor needs

He was one of the NRL’s toughest players in his heyday but even former Titan David Shillington sought time to deal with his mental health and he says Ash Taylor is right to do the same.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 02: Ash Taylor and the Titans look on during the round 12 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the North Queensland Cowboys at Cbus Super Stadium on June 02, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

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Former Gold Coast Titans forward David Shillington says taking time away from the game could be the best thing for struggling playmaker Ash Taylor.

The club announced on Thursday their million-dollar halfback would take an indefinite break from the NRL to address personal issues.

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.

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Shillington has admitted to dealing with mental health issues during his rugby league career and is now an advocate of the NRL’s State of Mind program.

Speaking earlier this week to launch the Don’t Stay On The Sideline campaign, which urges fans to check on the wellbeing of their friends and family, Shillington said seeking mental health counselling was the best thing he ever did.

“I know myself when I was Ash’s age, and I’m not giving advice, I invested time into my mental health,” he said.

“I saw a sports psychologist after my coach recommended it and I only saw him probably half a dozen times over nine months.

“The next year I went on to play for Queensland and Australia.

Taylor has endured a wretched season. Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images.

“I’m not drawing a direct line there, but the investment I made into my mental health, I just got so much out of it and live my life better.

“I played better football and ultimately, I was rewarded with having my dreams come true.”

He said players became a lot better when they took the time to look after their wellbeing off the field.

“Most of us do the same sort of training at club land but what separates the greats is the natural instinct, the mental ability and ability to focus on how you take care of yourself off the field,” Shillington said.

“Seeing people like Ash, who are struggling a bit for form, I hope he’s getting the right support and taking the right actions himself as well.”

Originally published as Why time away from football might be just what Ash Taylor needs