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Gold Coast Titans recruit keen to cement State of Origin spot with Queensland
Dean Ritchie The Daily Telegraph December 21, 2012 11:30PM
Dave Taylor means business. Source: Getty Images
THE Coal Train has steamed out of Redfern - but not before revealing a deep passion for South Sydney's rich history.
With a bushy beard hanging from his 122kg frame, Taylor is now a Gold Coast Titan, readying himself to join a healthy forward roster that includes Luke Bailey, Nate Myles, Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison.
But Taylor, 24, leaves with a new and healthy respect for South Sydney's standing in the game.
"I really got behind all the history at the club. I was dumbfounded when I learnt everything the club had done," Taylor told News Limited.
"Souths is such a great club. Everyone that has played there before - guys like Bob McCarthy - were just so proud to have the chance to play with Souths. It really makes you proud to wear the jumper. I wouldn't have known about it unless I went there. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to go to Souths and spend three years there.
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"Living in Brisbane and in a rural area as a kid, I never really had a football team. I followed Queensland, they were my team.
"Going to Souths really opened my eyes. They were all so passionate about the team and everyone was right behind us. Even the two years we missed the semi-finals we got a lot of support. It was such a great experience.
"I really enjoyed my time being around the boys - I was sad to go."
Dave Taylor
Dave Taylor in full flight for South Sydney. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
But go he did and Taylor is now enjoying life on Australia's sunshine strip. Coming into the prime of his career, Taylor is ready to explode in 2013 and nail down a Queensland Origin spot.
"I am really excited to pull the Titans jumper on," he said. "The club has an amazing roster. Playing with guys like Nate Myles, Ash Harrison and Luke Bailey has made the move so much easier.
"I want to learn from them and take their advice. I am really enjoying being back up here and being close to family and friends. The boys here have made me feel like it was the right decision to make. I have been a fringe rep player but want to cement a spot there."
After several lean seasons, the Titans are poised to make a real impact next season.
"If we go out there and defend I am sure we can win a few games," Taylor said.
"Personally I haven't really thought too much about 2013. I am just trying to get fit. I am excited to be starting skills work and watching the quick blokes do their stuff out wide."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...-with-queensland/story-e6freuy9-1226542076003
Dean Ritchie The Daily Telegraph December 21, 2012 11:30PM
Dave Taylor means business. Source: Getty Images
THE Coal Train has steamed out of Redfern - but not before revealing a deep passion for South Sydney's rich history.
With a bushy beard hanging from his 122kg frame, Taylor is now a Gold Coast Titan, readying himself to join a healthy forward roster that includes Luke Bailey, Nate Myles, Greg Bird and Ashley Harrison.
But Taylor, 24, leaves with a new and healthy respect for South Sydney's standing in the game.
"I really got behind all the history at the club. I was dumbfounded when I learnt everything the club had done," Taylor told News Limited.
"Souths is such a great club. Everyone that has played there before - guys like Bob McCarthy - were just so proud to have the chance to play with Souths. It really makes you proud to wear the jumper. I wouldn't have known about it unless I went there. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to go to Souths and spend three years there.
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THE darkest times are always just before dawn. For Eels prodigy Jacob Loko, that darkness arrived at 3.45 on a cold June morning this year.
$5m Origin sponsorship deal
ONE of Australia's biggest brands has agreed to a $5 million annual sponsorship deal with the greatest game of all in 2013.
"Living in Brisbane and in a rural area as a kid, I never really had a football team. I followed Queensland, they were my team.
"Going to Souths really opened my eyes. They were all so passionate about the team and everyone was right behind us. Even the two years we missed the semi-finals we got a lot of support. It was such a great experience.
"I really enjoyed my time being around the boys - I was sad to go."
Dave Taylor
Dave Taylor in full flight for South Sydney. Picture: Gregg Porteous Source: The Daily Telegraph
But go he did and Taylor is now enjoying life on Australia's sunshine strip. Coming into the prime of his career, Taylor is ready to explode in 2013 and nail down a Queensland Origin spot.
"I am really excited to pull the Titans jumper on," he said. "The club has an amazing roster. Playing with guys like Nate Myles, Ash Harrison and Luke Bailey has made the move so much easier.
"I want to learn from them and take their advice. I am really enjoying being back up here and being close to family and friends. The boys here have made me feel like it was the right decision to make. I have been a fringe rep player but want to cement a spot there."
After several lean seasons, the Titans are poised to make a real impact next season.
"If we go out there and defend I am sure we can win a few games," Taylor said.
"Personally I haven't really thought too much about 2013. I am just trying to get fit. I am excited to be starting skills work and watching the quick blokes do their stuff out wide."
http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/ne...-with-queensland/story-e6freuy9-1226542076003
