Taylor shuns Tallis criticism - Sports News - Fanatics - the world's biggest events

Taylor shuns Tallis criticism

Ben Horne 15/05/2011 03:43:07 PM Comments (0)

Queensland State of Origin hopeful Dave Taylor insists he hasn't taken any notice of the criticism he copped from Maroons great Gorden Tallis.

Tallis, who works closely with Taylor as South Sydney's forwards coach, publicly slammed the 22-year-old last week for a supposed lackadaisical approach.

One of the most damaging back-rowers of the modern era, Tallis said Taylor hadn't done enough to warrant Queensland selection and the Rabbitohs star was wasting his enormous talent.

A barnstorming second rower at his best, Taylor subsequently played a blinder in Saturday night's 29-18 NRL win over Wests Tigers, and said he couldn't have done much more to convince Maroons selectors ahead of the team naming on Tuesday.

However, Taylor emphasised he wasn't motivated by Tallis' comments, saying he wouldn't be giving them the time of day.

"I only got told about it, I don't really care. He's got his opinions," said Taylor, who believed his much-scrutinised fitness levels had only improved in 2011.

"I only heard of it from one of my mates, told me that Gordie was bagging me.

"I don't know what really he said. I don't like to really read media stuff so I just kind of stay away from it.

"Gordie's got his opinions. I don't take any notice of it. I don't listen to it."

Taylor's position in the Maroons line-up does appear to be under threat, however his all-round performance in attack and defence against the Tigers will have reminded coach Mal Meninga what he's capable of.

He said he was happy with his improvements this season and had nothing to prove against the Tigers.

"No not really. Origin is the last thing on my mind. You go out trying to prove yourself, trying to cement a spot in Origin, and you normally come out second best," he said.

"I don't think I can do much more than what I did tonight. Obviously, I think it's picked Tuesday, so I think I've done as much as I can and just sit back now and just wait around really.

"I just went out and I knew I had to step up a little bit with my game, just with a lot of people out and a lot of young people. I tried to come in and do a few more hit ups straight off the ruck instead of a little bit wider.

"I definitely feel like I'm playing better footy than last year. I feel like I'm defending a lot better and I'm definitely a lot fitter and I definitely think it's showing in the games."

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