If nothing else, Daejarn Asi's arrival at NZ Warriors has proven a case of impeccable timing.
On the merry-go-round that is the club's halves combination already this NRL season, the former North Queensland Cowboys rookie has stepped on for the ride, just as former Gold Coast Titans phenom Ash Taylor seems ready to step off, possibly for good.
As Taylor's troublesome hip injury pushes him towards premature retirement at the age of 27, Asi has arrived at the Redcliffe-based outfit and straight into the starting line-up, as Chanel Harris-Tavita succumbs to an excruciating (to everyone else, at least) scrotum injury.
His combination with veteran Shaun Johnson in the 21-20 Golden Point victory over Canberra Raiders was the fifth used by the Warriors in eight outings this campaign, but his injection provided just the spark needed by a team still hurting from their record 70-10 massacre on Anzac Day.
In 10 previous outings for the Cowboys, Asi, 21, had never tasted first-grade victory, but saved that milestone for his debut with the club he supported growing up at Christchurch.
His presence was more than just symbolic, as his wickedly bouncing kick eluded Raiders fullback Jordan Rapana and sat up for Warriors winger Viliami Vailea to score in the first half. Then, as his side clawed their way back into the contest, his pass sent second-rower Euan Aitken through for a try in the second half.
Earlier in that second half, with the Raiders threatening to grow their 20-12 advantage, Asi rushed out of the defensive line to nail opposite Brad Schneider in a tackle that knocked the ball from his grasp and defused the immediate threat.
The performance has coach Nathan Brown at a loss to identify his future halves combo, with matchwinner Johnson, Asi, Harris-Tavita, Taylor and COVID-stricken Kodi Nikorima on his roster, and more reinforcements on the way.
"Daejarn got to training on Thursday and didn't really do anything, because we had a lot of boys a bit wounded," said Brown. "There was probably zero combination there, but Daejarn did well - he created a couple of tries for us, which we needed.
"What's our best combination? I'm not too sure, we've got a few boys coming next year as well - the boy [Luke] Metcalf from Cronulla and we've signed a good young half from the Roosters [Ronald Volkman] too."
Manly utility Dylan Walker is also headed to Mt Smart next season, offering another veteran option in the halves, as Harris-Tavita explores his value on the open market.
"Daejarn created a nice try for Euan and kicked for a try," reflected Brown. "If he didn't get here, maybe we don't win the game.
"He's a young kid that's got talent, that's why he was at the Cowboys for so long and why we've brought him to the club. Daejarn's just got to work out what type of player he wants to be and what level he wants to get to.
"If he really knuckles down, he's certainly got the talent to make a bit of a career for himself."
Sadly, the future doesn't look as bright for Taylor, whose retirement - while unofficial - has been widely predicted by Aussie media.
"Ash has obviously had a difficult time with his hip and things aren't going great for him there," said Brown. "The retirement thing... I think someone has got the mail pretty quick and it's a pretty fair statement.
"I don't think Ash should be playing rugby league anymore. He's probably going through that process right now of transitioning into not playing and thinking what the future looks like.
"We've only got to know Ash in a short time and everyone's enjoyed having him around the footy club. he worked pretty good in the pre-season to get himself into better shape than he's been in a while.
"Unfortunately, he's had hip trouble in among all that, but he's certainly someone you'd hate to see lost to the game. He's got a good footy brain and like all the indigenous boys, they love their footy."
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