Titans playmaker Ash Taylor back feeling “very happy” as future looks bright on the Gold Coast

Gold Coast playmaker Ash Taylor hit rock bottom in 2019 but the 25-year-old has rocketed back into form in 2020 and reveals exactly what has changed to have him feeling “very happy” again.

Ash Taylor smiles during the Gold Coast Titans training session on the Gold Coast, Monday, May 11, 2020. The NRL loosened COVID-19 restrictions today with contact work allowed to resume at training sessions. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

TITANS playmaker Ash Taylor has opened up about his new lease on life and how Justin Holbrook’s game plan has helped him return to his scintillating best.

The club’s million dollar man reached rock bottom in 2019, forcing him to walk away from the game he loves to deal with several off-field problems.

However, with a new coach at the helm and better support on the field, the rejuvenated 25-year-old has steadily become one of the Gold Coast’s most dangerous ballrunner.

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It was epitomised in the 43rd minute of the Titans historic win over the Broncos on Saturday when Taylor sparked an incredible length-of-the-field try by piercing through the Brisbane defence.

The star playmaker admitted the game was among his best of the season and came at a time where he is back feeling “very happy”.

Ash Taylor smiles during the Gold Coast Titans training session on the Gold Coast, Monday, May 11, 2020. The NRL loosened COVID-19 restrictions today with contact work allowed to resume at training sessions. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“I had them struggles last year and that was the lowest I’ve been in my life so far,” Taylor said.

“I’ve learnt from that and I’ve put myself in a better position.

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“I’ve set my family up for the future after footy which is the biggest thing I’m really loving at the moment.

“I just love playing with this group of boys.

“We’ve been going great these last six, seven weeks and really building something.

“That’s off the back of Justin (Holbrook) really drilling into us for everyone knowing their role and everyone executing their role.”

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Ashley Taylor of the Titans looks to pass the ball during the round 18 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium on September 12, 2020 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Buoyed by his new halves partner Jamal Fogarty, Taylor has simplified his game plan – a move which has resulted in 13 try assists and 60 points in 17 games.

“I’ve simplified my role and doing my part for the team,” he said.

“In previous years, I’ve been trying to overdo myself and trying to take the game on myself rather than getting the whole team to help.

“Having Jamal there has been great.

“He’s been getting the team on the up.

“The boys are really buying into what Justin’s putting in place for us.”

The future is bright on the Gold Coast with the likes of David Fifita and Tino Fa‘asuamaleaui joining the club in 2021.

With the Titans all but out of finals contention, Taylor will likely finish the year on 99 first grade games and will celebrate his 100th next year alongside a superstar pack.

“There’s still a few errors there I need to work on (but) moving forward as a team, we’re really going in the right direction,” he said.

Originally published as Titans playmaker Ash Taylor back feeling “very happy” as future looks bright on the Gold Coast