Ash Taylor leads Oakey Bears into first rugby league finals since 2012

Former NRL player Ash Taylor has guided the Oakey Bears to their first finals series in 14 years. After taking over as player-coach in April 2025, Taylor oversaw a five-game winning streak to end the regular season. The team reached the playoffs following a victory in an elimination final against the back-to-back premiers on Saturday night. This performance marks a significant turnaround for a club that was ejected from the competition in 2016 following financial and performance struggles. Taylor, who previously played for the Gold Coast Titans, Brisbane Broncos, and New Zealand Warriors, cited a renewed passion for the game since moving into a coaching role. The club's recent success has drawn large crowds to Oakey as the team continues its campaign.

• 10:41 PMZero Tackle NRL — How former NRL star Ashley Taylor has reignited passion in a country town