Gold Coast halfback Ash Taylor will make a low-key return to the rugby league field via Titans feeder side Tweed Heads in central Queensland on Saturday.
Taylor was granted personal leave a month-and-a-half ago to deal with mental health issues but will make his comeback via the Queensland Cup at Wayne Taylor Oval in Ilfracombe.
The town, just outside of Longreach, is 1200km from the Gold Coast and home to just 350 people.
Titans chairman Dennis Watt said he expected to see Taylor back in first-grade soon.
“He would certainly be knocking on the door with a strong game this week – if he plays with confidence, which I expect,” Watt said.
“As you know, he has a full array of skills. At his best, there are few playmakers in the game who can actually match it with Ash.
“I wouldn’t expect anything too spectacular on day one. Just so long as he plays confidently and strongly, and is happy with his own performance.”
Taylor last played in the Titans’ 6-4 NRL loss to North Queensland in June, where he passed up the chance to take a potentially decisive penalty kick.
The 24-year-old was shortly afterwards granted personal leave.
He returned to the club a fortnight later but hasn’t played since.
On Thursday teammate Michael Gordon said Taylor was in good spirits.
“He looks happy – he’s smiling, he’s joking,” Gordon said.
“I think he’s having a trot this week potentially, just to get back into playing footy.
“I actually don’t know what the club’s procedure is with him going forward but he’s back around the boys and looks happy.”
Taylor – the highest paid player on the Titans’ roster – struggled with injury and poor form early in the season before taking his leave.
Garth Brennan’s inability to get the best out of the halfback is reportedly one of the reasons the Titans sacked the coach less than two years into his three-year contract last weekend.