Articles

Interview

The Jason Taylor Fan Page would like to thank JT for giving us this exclusive interview.

JT Fan Page:
Do you find you are already missing playing rugby league now that the season has started again?

Jason Taylor:
No, not so far. The big thing is I'm still involved with two coaching jobs. If I was working in a whole new area of work it would have been harder. But I feel satisfied with what I have achieved and I'm comfortable retiring.

FP: How are you finding your new role in marketing at the Parramatta Eels football club?

JT: I'm really enjoying it. There's a lot to learn, but I'm really grateful to the club for the opportunity

FP: Could you give us a quick run down on what your position involves?

JT: I'm a Sales Executive. Mainly selling sponsorships, corporate suites, open air boxes, signage at grounds, lunches, State Of Origin packages and Grand Final packages.

FP: You are also coaching the Parramatta S.G ball side, have you found the transition from playing to coaching difficult?

JT: No, I'm fairly comfortable, but that's based on the fact I have great support from all the coaching staff like Brian Smith, Alan Wilson and especially Rod Reddy - he has been great.

FP: At the start of last season you said your goal was to have a "positive, highly successful season", you must be pretty happy with the way it turned out?

JT: Yeah, I'm happy with the season overall. Disappointed we didn't win but not devastated. But I had a great opportunity considering my situation 12 months before.

FP: How do you rate breaking the all time pointscoring record compared to your other great achievements?

JT: It's the greatest as far as individual achievements.

FP: What about the Rothmans Medal?

JT: I'd probably rate it higher than the Rothmans Medal because with the pointscoring record you are competing against anyone who's ever played the game, and it's really good to look at the top ten list and see some of the names there. The Rothmans Medal is over just one year, but that was still an unbelievable honour.

FP: Toughest player you have played with or against?

JT: I'm not sure if one stands out, but I did cop a pretty big hit from Jason Stevens last time we played the Sharks, I don't remember much of that game.

FP: Is there any person or people that you believe taught you the most about rugby league?

JT: In the last 18 months or more, Brian Smith. Not just about the game itself, but about being a coach, dealing with people, and being successful. a few of the attributes that he likes to instill in players I think I already had, but it was good to confirm my ideas were on the right track.

FP: Biggest match of your career?

JT: Yeah, the Grand Final. But I have good memories of State of Origin even though I didn't spend much time on the field. It was a good experience to be involved in. I don't think I was ever good enough to be the starting half back and probably even over achieved in getting selected.

FP: Advice to young people?

JT: As a lesson from my career I've learned that if you work hard at something and put the preparation in over a long period of time you can do whatever you want. All you can do is fulfill your potential if not exceed it. If your dreams are realistic and you work hard enough you can definitely achieve them.

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