Scott Taylor has his say on “frustrating” ban for Richie Myler tackle

On Friday night, Scott Taylor scored his first try in four years to defeat Leeds Rhinos.

Taylor spoke about the moment on Sky Sports today:

“It was definitely important, it was a long time coming before that four year gap I used to think I was quite good for getting over a try for a front rower.

“It was a crucial try.”

Speaking about the gap between tries, Taylor mentioned a comical chat he had with new coach Tony Smith:

“One of the first meetings I had with Tony he said ‘what’s up with you, you used to be a really good try scoring front rower?’ so we had that joke from the start and I scored in a friendly and he played back about 10 times.

“It is something we have been working on us middles, we’re running good links and Brad Dwyer getting out there with his sharpness and sucking people in and it makes it easier for us.”

In terms of his view of Smith, Taylor said:

“He has freshened things up and brought some positivity into things. He has also taken us back to basics.”

Since then it has been a very mixed week. He was granted a testimonial by the RFL but was also hit by a ban for twisting Richie Myler’s leg. On this Taylor said:

“It’s very frustrating. I have started the season feeling good and fresh and I want to be on the plane to Catalans and play.

“But I have coped the one match ban and I have got to take it on the chin and help the boys prepare.

“The testimonial I am absolutely honoured and delighted.”

All of this came as Jon Wilkin gave his assessment of Hull FC in 2023:

“One question mark with Hull is their consistency, I am delighted that both Hull teams have started well. I’m from the area and I know how important strong Hull teams are to Super League.

“Can Tony Smith get Hull FC to the Grand Final, play-offs or Challenge Cup Final? Time will tell.

“Tony Smith is really good at giving people confidence and his players seem to perform pretty well and the challenge is consistency. The more you talk about it, the more it becomes a problem.

“I’m hoping that they can start to kick on. You look at the balance of the team with players like Jake Clifford and Tex Hoy, it is starting to look a bit special.”