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Former NRL star Dave Taylor has the start of pre-season to impress the Canberra Raiders as he seeks a return to the Australian competition.
The 123-kilogram utility played for three clubs including Brisbane, Souths and the Gold Coast before moving overseas to ply his trade in the English Super League with the Catalans Dragons.
Taylor was one of five Titans players charged with cocaine possession and supply.
Former Origin forward Dave Taylor signs pre season deal with Raiders. Still awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to cocaine possession
— pete badel (@badel_cmail) October 18, 2016
Taylor played a season for the Catalans Dragons but had some on-field discipline issues including being suspended for two games for a dangerous throw and his fitness is reportedly well down on where it was during the height of his NRL career.
The Raiders have agreed to give Taylor a chance to impress and he’ll join the team to sweat it out and prove he has what it takes.
Dave Taylor can be anything. If he clicks over the off-season in Canberra, the Raiders will be even more of a premiership chance. #NRL
— Sam Williamson ™ (@swil1012) October 18, 2016
The 28-year-old has an agreement with the club with contract negotiations to potentially take place after the Christmas break.
“If David is then offered a small playing fee for 2017 he has made better choices for himself, his family and his football,” Raiders coach Ricky Stuart told Fairfax.
“If he has shown he has bought in and committed to turning himself around. The Raiders have the resources in turning David into a regular NRL player, it’s up to David to show if wants it bad enough.”
If Taylor does receive an NRL lifeline at the Raiders it makes for an imposing lineup with the likes of Josh Papalii, Sia Soliola and Junior Paulo still in the squad.
What do you think Roarers? Is it worth giving Taylor another crack at the NRL?
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