Taylor emerges as Warriors' joker in pack

Ashley Taylor's ability to produce a laugh as well as a try assist has helped as he begins his third NRL life at the Warriors.

The former Gold Coast marquee man was not retained by the Titans after his million-dollar-a-season contract expired last year.

Originally leaving Brisbane for the Titans in 2016, Taylor excelled early to earn a rich three-year deal that seemingly placed him as the long-term face of the club.

The playmaker battled to live up to his seven-figure price tag though, even taking time away from the game in 2019 before the Titans preferred youth for 2022.

Scooped up cheaply by the Redcliffe-based Warriors, the 26-year-old has done enough to see his train-and-trial offer upgraded to a one-year deal.

He'll start on the bench behind Kodi Nikorima against his former team in Saturday's trial, with fellow halves contender Chanel Harris-Tavita at fullback where he's expected to replace the suspended Reece Walsh to begin the season.

It leaves Taylor part of a "race in two", according to coach Nathan Brown, to partner Shaun Johnson in round one.

"I've played against Ash for a few years now," Johnson said.

"Always knew what he could do as a footy player, but I've just been impressed with him as a fella.

"He's so funny, so good for the boys.

"He knows what it looks like to be a good, consistent player. I'm excited he's back here after a tough couple of years, revitalised and wanting to play footy again."

Brown wants a five-eighth who can defend and share the kicking duties with Johnson and has seen enough to believe in Taylor.

"He's been nice and solid," the coach said.

"The role we need Ash to play, we're confident he's going to be good value for the club."

Taylor will watch as AJ Brimson and Toby Sexton run the