New NZ Warriors recruit Ash Taylor is taking a relaxed approach to his time with the Auckland club, despite the prospect of playing to secure his NRL future in the NRL.
Taylor, 26, has linked with the Warriors on a train-and-trial deal for their 2022 pre-season. If Taylor impresses during his stay, the Warriors could offer the half a contract, should they wish to.
At one point commanding a salary worth seven figures during his time with Gold Coast Titans, Taylor was released at the end of the 2021 campaign.
Should he fail to secure a full-time contract with the Warriors, he'd likely face looking for a job in the UK Super League, but while many players would be stressed at the notion of playing for their future, Taylor is taking it all in his stride.
"I feel pretty good," Taylor says. "It's a new environment, it's another challenge for me.
"I love the game still and still have a lot to give to the game.
"I just want to really give it a good crack. If I get another contract, I get one, but if not, it's not the end of the world.
"I've got a lot more to look forward to in life, but at the moment, I think I've still got a lot to give in the NRL."
Taylor claims the pressure of such a huge Titans contract affected his game and he now enjoys the freedom of little expectation at the Warriors.
"Coming off a big contract, it was sort of a weight lifted off my shoulders," he adds. "Expectations drop a little bit in the media standards, but for my standards, I want to win games - I want to win contracts and win games.
"At the end of the day, there's still pressure on myself - I still feel a bit of pressure on myself to earn a contract. I just really want to work hard for it now and show my [gratitude], I still really want to play in the NRL."
If Taylor is to secure a contract with the Warriors, he'd likely form a new-look halves pairing with returning star Shaun Johnson.
After playing against Johnson for several years, Taylor relishes the chance to line up alongside him.
"It'd be great. I've obviously played against him for the last 5-6 years.
"He's an experienced campaigner. He's played for the Warriors, he's played for the Kiwis, so I'm just really looking forward to seeing how he approaches training, approaches games and his experience with all that kind of stuff.
"Shaun's really grown into that No.7 role and enjoys leading the team around. I've taken a step back into the No.6 role.
"I'm sure that we could complement each other, if I get a contract next year, but at the moment, it's [about] working hard and trying to earn that."
