Embattled Gold Coast star Ash Taylor has been granted leave to address some personal issues in another blow for the struggling NRL club.
Taylor has been under immense criticism as part of a Titans side that has won just three of their opening 12 games to sit 15th on the ladder.
"In consultation with the club, Taylor, 24, has today been granted leave until further notice from his training and playing commitments," the Titans said in a short statement on Thursday evening.
The development comes less than a week after Taylor was lampooned for passing up a crucial penalty shot in a two-point loss to North Queensland.
Taylor had missed two shots before handing the kicking tee to halves partner Tyrone Roberts, who sent his attempt wide.
Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan said he was unsure why Taylor, who is considered the biggest money-earner at the club, gave up the kick.
"You will have to ask Ash on that one," Brennan said after the game.
"I'm not sure why he didn't take it. He might have an injury, he might've been down on confidence, he might not have been comfortable on that side of the field.
"That question is going to have to be asked as to why he didn't take that shot."
Taylor's leave also comes just two weeks after the club announced that head of performance Mal Meninga would undergo a mid-season review of operations.
Taylor has been under the spotlight since being stolen from Brisbane in 2016 to become the face of the league's youngest franchise.
One year later, he signed a three-year extension worth a reported $3.2 million that tied him to the Gold Coast until 2021.
In nine games this year, Taylor has seven try assists and six line break assists, while he has converted just 10 of 18 attempts on goal.
His absence means Ryley Jacks is a strong chance of playing in Sunday's round-13 clash with the Broncos at Cbus Super Stadium.
