New Zealand Warriors recruit Ash Taylor doesn’t lack confidence in his own ability.
Despite departing the Gold Coast Titans at the end of last season without a contract, the halfback says he always felt like he would earn another deal after he was asked to train on trial with the Warriors in the pre-season.
While he was made to wait to ink his one-year deal for 2022 in mid-January, Taylor says he always backed himself to make the club’s top 30 squad.
“It feels good, I’ve obviously moved my family up here (to Redcliffe, where the Warriors are based),” Taylor said on SEN 1170 Call Time with Katie Brown.
“Obviously, to be rewarded with a year contract, it’s been unreal so far, I can’t wait to take it with both hands.
“I didn’t really think about (being left un-contracted), I always backed myself to get that contract, I was a little bit stressed, but not overly.
“It’s just fitting now that it’s done, I can’t wait to rip and get into the season with the lads.”
Without a deal as of yet for 2023, rumours have swirled that Taylor could end up signing for the Dolphins as their inaugural playmaker.
Despite this, Taylor says he’s completely focused on simply putting his “best foot forward” with his new club.
“I think at the moment with the Warriors giving me this chance, I just want to see how this year pans out,” Taylor said.
“Obviously, I want to be playing week in, week out footy, if I’m not cut out to make the team each week there’s options around Australia.
“I’m going to see how things go, put my best foot forward with the Warriors and hopefully I can help steer those guys in the direction to where they need to be.”
Taylor could be set to form a new halves pairing at the Warriors alongside returning veteran Shaun Johnson.
The Warriors open up their 2022 campaign against St George Illawarra at Sunshine Coast Stadium.