NRL enigma Dave Taylor hasn’t closed the door on a return to the top flight in Australia but says he must first learn to love rugby league again before he’ll even consider joining another NRL club.

In an exclusive interview with foxsports.com.au, Taylor opened up about the toll drugs charges and the breakdown of his marriage have had on him the past two years, the doubts he had prior to his ill-fated stint with Toronto, returning home to Rockhampton and what it will take to fall in love with the game again.

After being released by the Toronto Wolfpack following a pre-season training camp in Portugal a fortnight ago, Taylor’s career was once again hanging by a thread but he was unveiled on Thursday morning as the star signing for the Central Queensland Capras, the 29-year-old agreeing to a two-year deal with the Queensland Intrust Super Cup club.

Ironically, his first game for his new club will most likely be against the Broncos in Theodore on February 10, the club that introduced him to the NRL as a 17-year-old man mountain back in 2006.

In addition to his playing commitments with the Capras, Taylor will work as a community support worker and has already received considerable backing from local business such as Rockhampton Leagues Club, mining equipment company SMW and mining training company, Coal Train.

Yes, Coal Train.

Since making his NRL debut with the Broncos in 2006 Taylor has had stints with the Rabbitohs, Titans and Raiders where at times he was one of the most destructive running forwards in the game, at times the most frustrating.

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He conceded that living up to high expectations led to periods of doubt throughout his career and why stepping back and playing for the Capras in familiar surroundings is so appealing.

“I kind of felt like I needed to play really, really good every week so I’d put too much pressure on myself and then doubt would lead in and I’d start having bad games,” Taylor told foxsports.com.au.

“It was more just me putting pressure on myself to try and perform my best and not let anyone down.

“Just listening to a lot of people and thinking that I had to better than what I am and not just relaxing a little bit and doing my job.

Taylor conceded that his year with the Raiders in 2017 took a toll on him mentally. Photo: Matt King Source: Getty Images

“Thinking I had to be better than everyone else and I just put too much pressure on myself and sort of collapsed in a little bit.

“That’s one thing I’m really looking forward to, not having that pressure and just going out and playing football and trying to get that enjoyment back.”

Although he wouldn’t rule out an NRL return completely in the future, Taylor indicated that it was highly unlikely for 2018 and that there was no guarantee he would ever add to the 181 first grade games he has played to date.

“I couldn’t really see myself over the next six months having the hunger there at the moment,” Taylor said of playing NRL again.

“That’s why I’ve opted to come back to the Capras and play and just find the love of the game again.

“I might come out and play some really good football and really start to enjoy my football again and fall back in love with the game and then pick up something over the next six months or I could just really love playing reserve grade and having fun.

“I really loved playing at the Raiders but it did mentally take a lot out of me over the year.

“I was umming and aahing on whether I should stay or go and the decision to go back and play lower level footy definitely got me across the board.

“I’m just really looking forward to taking a step back, taking a breath and having a look from outside in. Not being in the little bubble anymore.”

As for his failed stint with the Wolfpack, Taylor said he couldn’t speak about the specifics of his release due to legal reasons but conceded he was having second doubts prior to leaving Australia.

A two-year stint at Catalans Dragons in France was cut short by 12 months at the end of 2016 and the eight-time Origin representative said the prospect of being away from family and friends was playing on his mind.

“Obviously disappointed but legally I’m not allowed to say anything,” Taylor said of his Wolfpack departure.

Dave Taylor charges into the Blues defence during the 2014 Origin Series. Photo: Peter Wallis Source: News Corp Australia

“When I left I was really nervous about going over, being away from everyone.

“I knew how hard I did it last time. That was my only real doubt going over.”

Taylor spent six weeks training with the Capras late last year before leaving to join Toronto and although he doesn’t expect to slot in at five-eighth for his new side, there is one position he has already put a red line through.

“I just said to Kim (Williams, Capras coach) that I’m staying away from the middle,” said Taylor, who made 11 appearances for the Raiders last season.

“I play my worst football in the middle. I always have my whole career and every time I’ve played in the middle I’ve always been scrutinised about my performance. Playing on the edge not many people say too much.

“I enjoy playing on the edge too. My whole thing at the moment is just enjoyment.

“It’s been a rocky couple of years with my divorce and Gold Coast stuff so mentally it’s been pretty taxing.

“Ready to have a breath of fresh air and take step back and try and find that love of the game again.”