‘Coal Train’ ready to cut loose with Catalans
Dave Taylor says he felt restricted in the NRL and is looking forward to showing his full attacking talents in Super League.
Taylor, nicknamed ‘The Coal Train’, has joined Catalans Dragons from the Gold Coast Titans on a two-year deal.
The talented 27-year old had spent a decade in the NRL playing for Brisbane, South Sydney and the Titans.
A versatile operator, who can play in the front row, back-row and has even featured in the centres and at stand-off at times, he is known for his ability to break tackles and offload.
Taylor said he is “loving” his time in France so far and he believes Super League will suit his style of game.
“The weather’s pretty much the same as the Gold Coast, it’s sunny skies and it’s beautiful over here,” the 123kg monster told Love Rugby League.
“I’m super excited about it. Having a good crack at it and having that freeness to chance my hand a little bit, it’s something that I felt my game’s sorted of been about and been held back in the NRL to do that.
“Everything’s about control and possession [in Australia], very stats-orientated. So if you can chance your arm and knock the ball on, it’s a big chance for the opposition in the NRL.
“So you sort of have to put everything in your back pocket and bring it out on a rainy day. Where over here you definitely can chance your hand a little bit more.
“That’s something I’m really looking forward to.”
Taylor arrives in Perpignan with an impressive pedigree, having represented Australia and Queensland. But his three years with the Titans did not end on the best of circumstances under coach Neil Henry.
“I loved my time at the Gold Coast,” Taylor said.
“It was awesome under Carty [John Cartwright], I really enjoyed playing for him.”
Taylor said pre-season with the Dragons is going well and he is getting used to his new teammates.
“It’s a really good bunch of blokes and everyone’s starting to click together now, gelling together,” he said.
“It won’t be long hopefully until the English-speaking boys start picking up a bit of French, then we can really get the bond.
“We just need to have a really good pre-season, put out heads down and bum up. Work hard, work for each other and success comes off hard work. I think that’s what we’ve got to look forward to this year.
“I want to bring that experience [that I have], leading from the front and trying to make little areas that I can. Just working hard for the team.
Catalans are looking to improve on 2015 and challenge for a spot in the grand final. Taylor knows the French club will need to fix their horrendous away form.
“I’m obviously aware of it,” he admitted.
“It obviously wasn’t the best last year but we’ve got a lot of new faces this year and to see where we’re going next year we need to have a brand new look at where we’re going, and what we’re going to do.
“Just worry about this year’s squad and not what happened last year. A couple of hours flight is not too bad for me.
“I’m just really excited to be here. The first couple of rounds over in England is going to be an experience for me, I haven’t really played in that type of weather before.
“So it should be something different.”