Gold Coast Titans halfback Ash Taylor on the scrutiny he’s been facing and what the solution is

Gold Coast halfback Ash Taylor admits it has been a “tough” period personally under the microscope but he knows the only solution is to start winning.

GOLD Coast halfback Ash Taylor admits it has been a “tough” period personally under the microscope but he knows the only solution is to start winning.

The Titans grafted their way through an intense 80 minutes against the Cowboys, only to succumb to a 6-4 defeat.

Both Taylor and Tyrone Roberts had second-half penalty goal attempts to level the scores that were waved away.

EMOTIONAL AJ PLAYING IN HONOUR OF LATE MATE

That Taylor handed the kicking duties over to his captain – a decision coach Garth Brennan was unable to explain post-game – is a fair indication of the struggle for confidence he is experiencing.

Ash Taylor (middle) looks on during the Titans’ loss to the Cowboys. Picture: Getty Images

“That’s just what happens. I didn’t feel like I was striking the ball well and he was kicking last year for Warrington … if I’m not striking the ball 100 per cent then he can kick because he is just as good a kicker as I am,” Taylor said of stepping aside for Roberts.

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It wasn’t that long ago the 2016 Dally M Rookie of the Year was knocking on the door as a State of Origin contender; now he’s facing calls for his axing from fans and league legends including Andrew Johns.

Taylor had made a step forward in a solid outing against Manly the previous weekend, highlighted by a sublime cutout pass to send Dale Copley on his way to the tryline.

Taylor is wrapped up by Cowboys defenders. Picture: Getty Images

He was again reasonable without being outstanding against the Cowboys.

Asked if he felt he had made progress: “Yes and no. It’s just a confidence thing,” were the first words that sprung to mind.

Clearly appearing downcast, Taylor added when asked how he has been handling a mountain of scrutiny: “It is tough.

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“It’s been a hard few weeks, especially when you are not winning games.

“Last week took the weight off my shoulders a little bit but in saying that, it’s just about working harder and going even harder next week to try to get that result.

Taylor on the training paddock.

“If you don’t get the result, then there is going to be tougher times so we’ll keep working hard as a team and we’ll get there in the end.”

The good thing for Taylor is he has witnessed evidence that his current slump is beatable, having seen former halves partner Kane Elgey reinvigorate his career.

Elgey became a maligned figure at the Titans as he struggled to recapture his rookie year form after undergoing a knee reconstruction at the start of 2016.

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The 25-year-old was forced to look elsewhere for opportunities in 2019 and has since turned it around at Manly. Taylor caught up with him after their teams’ meeting at Lottoland late last month.

“It was great to see Kane playing with a lot of confidence,” Taylor said.