Elijah Taylor tasted life at the top – now he loves ‘opportunity’ at the bottom
ELIJAH Taylor has tasted life at the pinnacle of rugby league – but the ‘opportunity’ at the bottom is just as exciting,
For he hopes to be part of the push to bring Oldham back to the sport’s top table.
The former New Zealand international is one of several big names who want to help the fallen giants back up.
Founder members of Super League in 1996, Oldham sank to League One playing at Whitebank Stadium in front of about 600 people – a shocking state for a town that produced the likes of Paul Sculthorpe, Kevin Sinfield and Barrie McDermott.
Now they are back at Boundary Park, headed by Mike Ford and coached by league legend Sean Long, with England RU star George helping when he can.
And Taylor, who 11 years ago played in the World Cup final, senses the excitement.
He said: “Why did I sign? The opportunity. It’s a new beginning.
“Oldham’s got a proud history in rugby league and has a clear direction of where they want to go. The fans want a rugby league team to support, Oldham’s a rugby town.
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“I didn’t know about Oldham’s Super League history, only on my first day here did I learn about it. I met the fans too and I know everyone in the area’s excited as well.
“I’ve also had messages from a few current Super League players who come from Oldham. Recently, they haven’t had a team they can support 100 per cent, we’re here to change that.
“Everyone’s on the same page and looking in the same direction. I couldn’t really say no.”
Oldham began their road back to the top with Sunday’s 48-10 League One opening day win at Workington – their new home is certainly capable of hosting Super League games.
And Taylor, 34, is able to balance playing with a job caring for children in care – as well as being a music producer and a qualified pilot.
“I really enjoy doing that job,” he added. “We’ve a settled house and great staff, it just works out well.
“A lot of players do it – Andy Ackers and Tyler Dupree got me into it. I asked them what they did then I looked into it after speaking to Tyler.
“And I’ve fallen in love with living in England more than I thought I would. I planned two years max – my contract at Salford, then I’d go home.
“The only negative about it is the visa situation but Oldham has paid for two years for my family and I. When I reach the five-year mark, I can look at permanent residency.
“But the immediate aim for Oldham is pretty simple, promotion.”