Elijah Taylor is one of the biggest names still without a club for 2023.
The Kiwi was ninth for most tackles in Super League last season, and was one of Salford’s most dominant forwards – but with a new contract yet to be agreed between the two parties Taylor is now technically a free agent.
Being from New Zealand, the 32-year-old will take up a quota spot so there is a limited number of options with almost all Super League clubs full up on quota spaces.
Despite this, a stay in Super League does seem the most likely option with Taylor keen to prolong a career that has seen him make almost 200 NRL appearances for the Warriors, Panthers and Tigers, while also earning 11 caps for the New Zealand Kiwis.
Here are three potential destinations that could be on the card for Taylor.
Leeds Rhinos
After a one-off appearance for the Rhinos in the recent game against his native New Zealand, Taylor could be set for a move across the Pennines to last year’s Grand Finalists Leeds. After Matt Prior’s decision to retire this week, Leeds now have a quota spot available so Taylor could fit in with the Rhinos. However, they are in dire need of a centre with Harry Newman the only known player in that position currently at the club, so it may be tough for Taylor to earn a move to Headingley.
Wakefield Trinity
Under a new head coach in 2023, Mark Applegarth’s side only contains five quota players, meaning Taylor is a viable option. The former Salford captain was linked with the Trin earlier this year but talks have since died down. With the signings that newly promoted Leigh Leopards have made, Wakefield could well be down at the bottom of the table. Taylor would be a very good pickup for a side who haven’t made the playoffs since 2018.
Salford Red Devils
There is still time for Taylor to stay with the Red Devils, with Paul Rowley not yet replacing his captain with another overseas player. As a former captain and a fan favourite, we could well see him stay at the AJ Bell Stadium in a move that would delight the Salford faithful. There appears to be discontent among the club’s supporters about the situation surrounding Taylor, with many feeling those in charge at the Red Devils should be doing more to agree a new deal.
