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Titans coach to play it safe with Taylor

3 minute read

Gold Coast won't be rushing young half Ashley Taylor back from his quadriceps injury with his long-term fitness a concern.

ASHLEY TAYLOR of the Titans looks to pass the ball during the NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm in Gold Coast, Australia.
ASHLEY TAYLOR of the Titans looks to pass the ball during the NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Melbourne Storm in Gold Coast, Australia. Picture: Matt Roberts/Getty Images

Gold Coast will take a cautious approach to halfback Ashley Taylor's injury recovery in a bid to avoid ongoing complications.

The 24-year-old was a late omission from last weekend's season opener against Canberra after straining a quad tendon in training.

Taylor will once again sit out Saturday's clash with Cronulla in Sydney and coach Garth Brennan said the playmaker will only return once he's 100 per cent fit.

"It's a tendon injury which can re-occur quite easily," Brennan said.

"Ash is chomping at the bit, he wants to run and get back out there and play some footy.

"It's a matter of we've got to be smart about it. If we rush him too early and he does it again he's going to have a season that we don't want from Ash where he's in one week and then out for three and four."

Taylor was troubled by hamstring tightness early last season, forcing Brennan to shift back-rower Bryce Cartwright into the halves at short notice.

The 2016 Dally M rookie of the year's absence has opened the door for ex-Melbourne Storm player Ryley Jacks to debut for the Titans against the Sharks.

Brennan says the recruitment of Jacks and the rise of young gun AJ Brimson means he has the depth to ensure Taylor can recover fully before his return.

"We'll make sure he ticks every box before he comes back," Brennan said, with the Titans also without Tyrone Roberts due an Achilles strain.

"This year we're fortunate enough we do have some quality to call on.

"To call on Ryley Jacks after having two of your halfbacks out, is a handy replacement to have."

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