It has been a rather successful year for the Redcliffe Dolphins, finishing up as minor premiers, and they are now set to face Easts Tigers in the 2018 Intrust Super Cup Grand Final on Sunday.
Throughout the 2018 season, Redcliffe Dolphins have had several standout performers such as Cam Cullen, Jamil Hopoate, Jonus Pearson, Sam Anderson and Kotoni Staggs.
However, there is one player who you could argue has been their unsung hero in 2018. That player is James Taylor.
The 104kg Interchange forward has been pumping out huge numbers in attack and defence all season long; however probably hasn't received the recognition he deserves.
The former Norths Devils forward joined the Dolphins this season and has taken no time to settle in.
This season, he averaged 45 minutes on field each match for an average of 11 hit tups, 124 running metres and 22 tackles per game.
As a removalist, he is no stranger to doing plenty of heavy lifting and you will struggle to find many other forwards in the Intrust Super Cup competition that can produce these kinds of numbers consistently, especially coming off the bench.
To put this effort into perspective, Petero Civoniceva Medallist and 80-minute front-rower Nat Neale averaged 15 hit ups, 147 running metres, and 30 tackles per game.
If Redcliffe Dolphins are to win the Grand Final on Sunday, you can be sure that Taylor will have put in another work-horse performance to get his team over the line.
Grand Final tickets on sale now!
To buy into the Redcliffe supporters bay - use the code FIRSTVIP
To buy into the Easts Tigers supporters bay - use the code SECONDVIP
SEASON STATS 2018 – JAMES TAYLOR:
- Average Minutes: 45
- Average Run Metres: 124m
- Post Contact Metres: 1072m
- Average hit ups: 11
- Tackles: 522 (Average 22)
- Tackle Breaks: 44
- Tries: 2
- Tackle Efficiency: 88.7%
- Appearances: 24
