Scott Taylor reveals the two toughest players he faced in his career

Scott Taylor hung up the boots at the end of the 2023 campaign but he’s still got his testimonial match in the new year to look forward to, as well as an exciting challenge to help honour good friend Rob Burrow.

Taylor called time on his career after well over a decade of dominating Super League and the ex-Hull FC man was reflecting on his career on BBC Humberside, in which he revealed what his plans for 2024 are.

Of course Taylors testimonial match is the last of FC’s pre-season with the club hosting Taylor’s former side Wigan Warriors in early February, but he explained that he also plans on running the Rob Burrow Marathon for his good friend.

Speaking about Burrow, Taylor told BBC Humberside: “Obviously I played against Rob for a lot of years and we both love the NFL, going back seven or eight years there wasn’t loads of NFL fans and I joined a fantasy league with him. The first year I was involved Rob actually did win it.

“The friendship grew from there. You know what it’s like when you’re in a WhatsApp group as well and you’ve been in for so many years with him, you end up messaging in there more when you speak to your wife, don’t you? So you build special relationships.”

On learning of Burrow’s diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease, something that happened four years ago in December 2019, Taylor spoke on the incredible fundraising efforts that both Burrow and Sinfield have undertaken and how he himself has been inspired.

Taylor explained: “He messaged me and said ‘look lads I’ve got motor neurone disease and it’s going to be announced in a week or so and I’m ready for the battle’, and that really hit home for me that.

“He’s been absolutely stalwart and Kevin Sinfield’s doing what he’s doing now but I’ve tried doing everything I can to help and I did a fundraiser a few months ago to raise money for Rob with an NFL night.

“I’ve always fancied myself just to have that mental battle and run one marathon. I’ve always been envious of people running marathons and thought I’d love to run one in my life and no better reason than to do it for my mate Rob,

“So I’m running the Rob Burrow marathon in May and I’m going to set up a page next year and try and raise some more money what goes direct to Rob’s discretionary trust.”

Whilst he might tower over Burrow he also referenced that the elusiveness of the Leeds Rhinos legend made him one of the toughest he’s ever faced, whilst also giving a nod to an international prop.

“I played against him twice and Jared Waerea-Hargreaves of the Sydney Roosters. I played against him in the World Cup Challenge and I played him for England v New Zealand,  for front row on front row battle I think that was the toughest task I’ve had,” Taylor stated.

“Obviously I’ve played against some absolute legends and players so I’ll also say Rob Burrow as he was always someone I couldn’t get hold of.”