His coach may not have agreed at first but Ash Taylor says he will benefit from a welcome break to help Gold Coast Titans stay on the NRL finals path.

A refreshed Taylor will look to make up for lost time when he returns from a groin complaint in Friday night’s clash with St George Illawarra.

It sidelined him for their last match, a round 17 loss to the Warriors.

Taylor made the most of the following bye week and backed himself to help the Titans stay in the top eight hunt with a win against the Dragons at Kogarah.

Taylor revealed coach Neil Henry at first considered rolling the dice and risk playing his prized No.7 against the Warriors.

However, the young playmaker is sure glad he won the battle of wills with his coach – and is positive Henry will soon be too.

“Obviously being rested against the Warriors and then having the bye as well really worked out well for myself and I’m feeling very confident with where I am at the moment,” Taylor said.

“Neil said he was going to risk me playing (against Warriors) but that could jeopardise the rest of the season.

“I just wanted to make sure I’m right for the rest of the season and if that meant taking the week off then I’ll take the week off.”

Taylor expects on Tuesday to be named for the Dragons clash along with David Mead and Konrad Hurrell.

Mead (knee) is expected to slot into fullback with co-captain William Zillman (foot) still sidelined.

Hurrell is set to play his second game for the Titans in the centres.