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Bargain buy Ash Taylor gets NRL career lifeline with New Zealand Warriors after Gold Coast exit

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
Ash Taylor has won an NRL lifeline.
Camera IconAsh Taylor has won an NRL lifeline. Credit: New Zealand Warriors

Discarded playmaker Ash Taylor will return to the NRL in 2022, after signing a one-year deal with the New Zealand Warriors.

Initially offered a train and trial deal last October after being dumped from the Gold Coast Titans, Taylor impressed the club to earn a full-time deal for the upcoming season.

“Ash has fitted in well with our group and we we’re really enjoying having him around,” Warriors captain Tohu Harris said.

“He has given us an experienced voice and has added to the competition in our halves.”

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Ash Taylor will play for his third NRL club.
Camera IconAsh Taylor will play for his third NRL club. Credit: New Zealand Warriors

Taylor played just one game for the Brisbane Broncos in 2015 before taking up a remarkable big money deal to play at the Gold Coast from 2016.

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But Taylor failed to live up to his hefty $900,000-plus per year salary at the Titans in 114 games, and was released by the club at the end of last season.

Now the 26-year-old Queenslander has grabbed his opportunity and will represent his third NRL club.

“We’re excited to confirm Ash is staying with us. He has been a great addition since joining the club and has more than met our expectations,” Warriors general manager football Craig Hodges said.

“He has added so much with his training ethic, enthusiasm and his all-round contribution.”

Taylor will look to pair returning Warriors great Shaun Johnson in the halves in 2022.

The club already boasts the talent of young Reece Walsh, Chanel Harris-Tavita and Kodi Nikorima as halves options.

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