The bright lights of a Grand Final can be a daunting occasion for any player.
On a stage where legends are born, the mix of nerves and adrenaline is enough to challenge even the most seasoned players, let alone a rookie with just seven first-grade games under his belt.
That was the reality facing Blake Taaffe in 2021 when he was thrown in at the deep end as a replacement for the suspended Latrell Mitchell at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Taaffe, then a fresh-faced 22-year-old, was entrusted by Wayne Bennett to fill the full-back void from the final game of the regular season through to the title decider against Penrith Panthers.
Despite being the most inexperienced player to ever step out in an NRL Grand Final, Taaffe earned praise for his maturity in a solid display under pressure.
Penrith took home the trophy but Taaffe’s poise hinted at the talent that would eventually catch the eye of Castleford Tigers.
“It was a pretty surreal experience,” recalled Taaffe, who recently arrived at Wheldon Road ahead of his first season in Super League.
“I’d only played seven games of NRL that year and my eighth game was a Grand Final
“The build-up can be very daunting with a lot going on but the club handled me perfectly. I know we didn’t get the win but it’s an experience I’ll definitely hold close to me.
“I’d love to do it all again.”
Taaffe will need to wait a while longer for a shot at Grand Final redemption in the NRL but the move to Castleford offers a fresh challenge and the sense that anything is possible in a new setting.
First things first, the 26-year-old has had to learn to run his own household.
“Once I first signed, I knew there were going to be lifestyle changes,” he said.
“I’m not at home with mum and dad now so I’m having to do a lot of cooking and cleaning.
“But I’m enjoying it. It’s something different and is taking me out of my comfort zone.
“I’d always wanted to come over here and give it a crack but I never planned to come this early. I’m glad I did it. I’m really enjoying my time here and like where I’m heading.”
Taaffe begins his time in Super League after struggling to build on his early promise during a two-year stint at Canterbury Bulldogs.
The Sydney native played just 12 NRL games but honed his skills and gained valuable experience in the NSW Cup along the way.
Taaffe had his mind set on finding a place to prove himself in the NRL before Chris Chester sold him an exciting vision at Wheldon Road.
“I was coming to the back end of my contract and there was a lot of interest,” said Taaffe.
“At the time, my preference was to stay in the NRL but Chezzy changed my mind after telling me about Ryan Carr and the signings the club had made.
“I wanted a place where I could belong. Chezzy said he loves how I play and really backed me. He said I’d thrive over here.
“The big thing for me was coming to a club that had faith in me. I want to repay them.”
In many ways, Taaffe and Castleford need each other: a talented full-back seeking a platform and a team searching for a spark to snap them out of their malaise.
At the head of it all is a new coach bringing a fresh sense of purpose.
Carr has wasted no time getting to grips with the task of lifting the club’s fortunes.
“I just love how hands-on he is,” said Taaffe.
“He loves getting in drills and showing us what he wants from us. He just keeps everyone accountable.
“You can’t ask for any more than a coach who is straight up with you and tells you exactly how it is. If you get told you’re doing something wrong and then walk away and fix it, it brings you closer together.”
For a player once thrust onto the biggest stage on raw talent and potential alone, the move to Castleford provides the chance to show he is ready to deliver on that promise week after week.
And if Tigers fans are wondering what they are getting, Taaffe has a simple message.
“I’m just a competitor,” he said. “I hate losing.
“I’m just going to give my absolute best and take the rest of the squad with me. I believe if I do what I do best while I’m over here, I can help put Cas back on the map. That’s all I want.
“I can’t really say too much on the past because I wasn’t here but the way the squad has come together and gelled, I really feel there’s something special building here.
“I’ve heard that when this club is going well, the community thrives too. We’re definitely going to put Cas back on the map.”
Leave a Reply