The Wests Tigers players are sitting on the turf at Campbelltown Sports Stadium watching a preview of a multicultural performance that will be part of Sunday’s clash with the Penrith Panthers in round 2 of the NRL.
It’s just a few minutes after Thursday morning training has concluded and I grab coach Jason Taylor for a chat as the boys enjoy the show by the Pacific Islands troupe.
Looks like the boys are enjoying the show – maybe you need to bring in something like that once a week after training, I suggest to Taylor.
He laughs about my facetious suggestion, but I’m sure he’s thinking about it.
I ask him if he’s planning to enjoy the season even though it may be his last one unless the Wests Tigers play semi finals footy in September.
Taylor is on the final year of a three year contract and most pundits agree that only a finals appearance will see him back in charge in 2018.
Personally I think that given a reasonable chance Taylor could become one of the great coaches.
But in three years at Wests Tigers he’s had nothing but dramas in the background, especially last year when he stood his ground in wanting Robbie Farah out.
Before the multicultural show I watched Taylor, himself one of the best goalkickers in league history, working with Mitchell Moses practising on the sideline.
I’ve known Taylor since he made his debut for Western Suburbs Magpies as a youngster and he always struck me as an earnest, serious young man.
Well, he responds when I remind him today, training a first grade footy team is serious business.
There’s other times for fun, for sure, he adds for good measure.
I wish him well for Sunday against the Panthers, he thanks me and rejoins his troops.
In my head I wish him well as a coach beyond this season.
Well beyond this season.
