Ashley Taylor

Will they or won’t they?: Stuart, Raiders considering Taylor

Yet another twist in the Ash Taylor saga!

Published by
Mitch Keating

While the Raiders weren't believed to be in the race for Titans half Ash Taylor, Ricky Stuart has revealed the club are considering the Gold Coast playmaker.

Taylor is understood to be of interest to some NRL clubs and even sides abroad, with Super League outfits believed to be showing some level of interest.

Currently off-contract and out-of-favour at times under Justin Holbrook, Taylor has become a large focus of this season's player market.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 01: Ash Taylor of the Titans passes the ball during the round four NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Gold Coast Titans at Suncorp Stadium on April 1, 2018 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

The Raiders are seen as one of several clubs looking to bolster their halves for next season, with a move to be prompted following George Williams' departure.

Speaking on SEN, reporter David Riccio put a line through the Raiders' reported interest in Taylor.

“It’s a no,” he said

“I spoke to Raiders officials yesterday, and this is going to be an ongoing decision making process for what they’re going to do with their halves.

“With Sam Williams being their current number seven, and really the only number seven with NRL experience to keep going forward, they need a replacement in their eyes.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 21: Ashley Taylor of the Titans kicks the ball during the round 6 NRL match between the Titans and the Knights at Cbus Super Stadium on April 21, 2019 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“However, I can tell you Ash Taylor isn’t on their radar.

“I understand Ricky Stuart’s got a press opportunity today, I think he’ll address that.”

However, speaking to the media on Wednesday, Stuart revealed the club were considering their options.

"Ash has spoken about to a number of clubs and we were one club his management did speak to," Stuart said.

"We're considering a number of options in regards to seven. We're not sitting on our hands but it's a big decision for the club with which way we move next.

"It's something we discuss daily - myself, Peter Mulholland, Joel Carbone and Don Furner in regards to the strategy and our direction we need to take.

"It's a very big decision going forward. I'm not downplaying it. It's a matter of we've got to make the right decision."

With Taylor's seven-figure contract coming to an end this season, the Titans could look to hand the 26-year-old a new deal past 2021.

In a pairing with new partner-in-crime Toby Sexton, Taylor was a key component of the Titans' win against North Queensland on the weekend.

Taylor will line-up at five-eighth for Saturday's clash with South Sydney at Cbus Stadium in what is a vital match for their finals hopes.

Published by
Mitch Keating