Gold Coast Titans players back half Ash Taylor to make immediate NRL return after time off

Veteran Gold Coast winger Anthony Don has backed teammate Ash Taylor to “walk straight back in” to NRL footy this weekend if that’s the course of action coach Garth Brennan opts for.

VETERAN Gold Coast winger Anthony Don has backed teammate Ash Taylor to “walk straight back in” to NRL footy this weekend if that’s the course of action coach Garth Brennan opts for.

Taylor was back at training on Monday morning after a short break from the game to deal with personal matters.

It has been a rough 2019 for the marquee halfback but he was all smiles on return to the club’s Parkwood headquarters in a positive sign.

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Now a decision looms for Brennan whether to stick with Ryley Jacks, who has been solid the past two games, and take Taylor down a gradual comeback path or to immediately restore Taylor’s place in the No.7 jersey.

Ash Taylor puts in a kick during Gold Coast’s Round 11 win over Manly. Picture: AAP Image

Don believes the 24-year-old will be up to the task if selected to face Manly at Cbus Super Stadium on Saturday.

“If he gets picked and is the man that Garth thinks is right for the spot, he’ll definitely be good enough to come in,” Don said.

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“He’s a skilful player and everyone knows how good he is so there’ll be no doubt that he could walk straight back in if that’s what the coaches want to do.”

Don, the club’s all-time leading tryscorer, noticed positives in both Taylor’s form and demeanour in the training run.

Ash Taylor at training. Picture: Gold Coast Titans

“He was really sharp out there today and he was taking the line on when we had the ball so it’s good to have him back on deck,” he said.

“He has come back and he has been really happy around the group and he’s happy socialising so it’s a good sign. Hopefully he gets out there and plays really well.”

Titans second-rower Bryce Cartwright added: “He seems good … he is probably happier than he was before, definitely.

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“It’s just nice to see him with a smile on his face now and really happy. It looks like he is enjoying himself out on the (training) field too so hopefully he can translate that onto the footy field as well.”