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.
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.
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?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Lateral movement would likely be a big problem there; we saw it when Taylor played in the centres actually. Not many 6'4" 120kg guys with the capacity to change directions needed.
Dutski
Roar Guru
Lou Goodwin, wasn't it? Hard to see him breaking into the top grade, barring injuries.
Magnus M. Østergaard
Roar Guru
Kasiano can come off the bench for him at the mid kf the first half then dave plays the final 30mins.
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Sure, but that still doesn't mean there couldn't be a 120kg 5/8. Would be interesting to see.
Griffo
Guest
If you've got a frame like that and you're blessed with good ball skills then you ought to be a ball playing forward. Make a few early hitups to show defenders that they can't afford to drop off then open up your passing game.
MAX
Guest
Shane Flanagan is a master problem solver. He's had enough of them. He can turn good players into exceptional, encourage them to maintain form for long periods and when required regain form after a lapse. Craig Bellamy is the best coach I have seen in 80 years. His good mate Shane Flanagan runs a close second. He is a thinker. He is alert. He has the undying respect of his players. He is a special human being.
Correct sometimes
Guest
How is Flanagan capable? What makes him special ?
Sleiman Azizi
Roar Guru
Why not actually have a 120kg 5/8th?
Matth
Guest
Exactly and unfortunate. If he was 90kg he would have been a good 5/8th. 100kg and excellent GI type centre. But he has a 120kg body. He's not really up to being a battering ram, but that's the position his body dictates for him in Rugby League.
Baz
Guest
What about their rookie they signed off nrl rookie who was already in thier feeder club i wonder if he will get a go
Oingo Boingo
Guest
More butter on his fingers than SKD on his day .
Dutski
Roar Guru
Geez Alex. No need to get nasty by comparing anyone to Trex!
jamesb
Guest
I'm not sure about Dave Taylor. His influence off the field could be disruptive to the other members of the squad. While on the field, he looks like Tarzan, but plays like Jane.
Albo
Guest
Not for me ! Leopard & spots comes to mind big time here ! Why would you risk a spot for Taylor, when the Raiders have a wealth of good young enthusiastic forward talent developing down in Canberra Their feeder club Mounties is packed with NRL Forwards trying to get a run in the Raiders NRL team, and plenty of good talent is coming through Their Holden Cup team and their juniors. Which young talent is going to miss the cut because of a punt on the historically unreliable Taylor ?
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Dave Taylor, QLDs answer to Tony Williams -- size of a brick outhouse but seems like he'd rather play 5/8th than back row.
MAX
Guest
Flanagan and Stuart are the only remaining coaches capable of inspiring Taylor to his best. If Ricky can do for Dave what Shane did for Andrew he may be welcoming Norm and Arthur to watch Viking clap practice. We look forward to being both pleased and confounded.
Christov
Guest
It would be great for the NRL to have him back at full fitness in both body and mind.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Jeez if Taylor gets anywhere near his best this Raiders side are going to be something very special in 2017. Gotta hand it to Ricky Stuart, he has done a fantastic job.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Yep - pretty low risk with potentially big upside. Another Stuart recruitment masterstroke...
Jimmmy
Guest
If and I stress if the Raiders can get the best out of Taylor, what a pack they will have next year. Heaps of size and depth. I reckon, a Raiders , Panthers GF may be on the cards.