At one point in time, young Ashley Taylor was the talk of the town.
His brilliant rookie season forced the Titans and Broncos into a bidding war that saw the former offer a mega-money, long-term contract to pin down their future superstar.
Much has been made of the million-per-season deal. Every performance since has been judged against the eye-watering offer that was tabled and taken.
I think it's fair to say that Taylor has hugely underdelivered. He has failed to live up to the promise he showed in his Rookie of the Year award-winning season.
Five-eighth
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Taylor has spent the past two seasons trying to rebuild a career that may become an example of talent and potential wasted.
He's gone from a seven-figure star to largely unwanted, and remains off-contract despite being just one game (for his side) away from the finals series.
I still believe there is a footballer in Taylor. A good one at that. I don't think I'm alone there.
Taylor has a lot to give... but where? Released from the Titans, it certainly won't be there anymore, but there is still a future for the former million-dollar man in the NRL.
We take a look at four options for Ash Taylor in 2022. Where will he play his footy next season? Let us know below.
2. Tigers
The Tigers looked to have their halves sorted a week ago. Hastings returns to partner either Luke Brooks or Adam Doueihi.
Unfortunately an ACL injury to Doueihi has thrown those plans into complete chaos.
The chat of the Tigers shopping Brooks around just won't go away, with a likely move to the Raiders growing louder and louder.
Regardless of Brooks' future, the Tigers may be forced into signing the Titans half, at least on a one-year deal.
Doueihi won't play until mid-season 2022 at best. Again, there are reports that COVID may delay his surgery and therefore push his return back even further.
Brooks obviously isn't the answer. Perhaps Taylor is. At least in the short term.
They could do far worse.
