Ash Taylor has admitted he wasn't ready for his big-money Gold Coast contract and claims he is now more relaxed without it despite fighting for his NRL career.
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Taylor is currently with the Warriors on a train-and-trial contract, with no guarantee of a full-time deal and just three spots left in their top-30 roster.
The 26-year-old has admitted he has no fallback options at this stage, having not spoken to other clubs in the NRL or overseas if not picked up by the Warriors.
But despite the predicament the former Brisbane and Gold Coast prodigy finds himself in, he believes he is in a far better headspace to perform now.
"My mind is a lot more relaxed than what it was," Taylor said.
"Coming off a big contract, it was just a weight lifted off my shoulders.
"Expectations dropped a little bit from the media, but from my standards I want to win games. I want to earn contracts and win games.
"I still feel pressure on myself to earn a contract but I just want to work hard for it now and show my gratefulness.
"I still really want to play in the NRL ... and I still think I have a lot to give in the NRL."
Taylor began training with the Warriors last month under Nathan Brown, but does face a logjam of playmakers ahead of him to return to the NRL.
Shaun Johnson will be the Warriors' first-choice halfback, while Kodi Nikorima and Chanel Harris-Tavita are other playmaking options.
It comes after Taylor was pinched from Brisbane by the Titans in 2016, before having a deal worth close to $1 million a year thrown at him in 2017.
That expired at the end of 2021, as Taylor went unsigned before being thrown a lifeline by the Warriors.
Taylor has declared he is ready to stick with the Warriors for the long haul, prepared to move to New Zealand with the club when they return in June if contracted.
He also believes his relaxed nature can help him return to his best, adamant he reached his previous peak when just playing football for the love of the game.
Asked if he in any way wished he had not been handed such a big deal with the expectations that came with it, Taylor said: "Yes and no.
"You can always come up with excuses on why you didn't want the contract.
"I felt like I was ready for it, but obviously I wasn't.
"Life goes on, I can't stay stuck in the mud. I want to keep moving forward in life.
"Obviously it's a step backwards now for where I am but looking for new challenges and trying to put my best foot forward and earn a contract here."
Australian Associated Press
