Taylor wants Origin fix in 2015

Brain explosions have marred David Taylor’s game in the past.

But the hulking Gold Coast Titan hopes the only head rush he receives this season is from another dose of the State of Origin “drug”.

“I am really looking forward to working hard as I can to make another Origin squad,” he told AAP.

“I think it is like a drug for a footy player, you want to keep getting it.”

Taylor is already buzzing as he looks forward to chancing his arm for the Titans at this weekend’s free-wheeling Auckland Nines.

But the 26-year-old giant has vowed to keep it simple during the NRL season proper in a bid to silence his critics and earn another Queensland recall.

Taylor knows only too well that old habits die hard after again being guilty of pushing passes and poor options for Queensland in 2014 – his first Origin appearance in two years.

However, Taylor knew what was required to get his Origin fix in 2015.

“Pulling back a bit on the ball work stuff and just tucking it under my wing and running as hard as I can,” said Taylor who has eight Origin caps.

“It’s the best thing I can give the Titans at the moment.”

Being part of the Queensland team which had their eight series winning streak broken last year has not dampened Taylor’s enthusiasm.

Nor has being at a club that has missed the NRL finals the past four seasons, including a third-last 2014 finish.

“I feel no pressure on the Titans this year,” Taylor said.

“We don’t really have too much to prove.

“If we can get a few wins, get our confidence back, we can work from there.”

In the meantime Taylor faces a busy pre-season that also features an NRL All Stars nod thanks to an unlikely source of amusement, Wayne Bennett.

“The All Stars was a nice little reward,” Taylor said of the February 13 clash.

“I like being coached by Wayne, I like his sense of humour.”

And in what cynics may also find hard to believe, the 185cm, 123kg Taylor admitted he harboured some fears ahead of their Nines opener against the Warriors on Saturday.

“Having the Warriors first up with (Golden Boot winner Shaun) Johnson – I wouldn’t like to get him one on one, he has incredible footwork,” Taylor said.

“(But) we have a cracking side to compete.”

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