Regardless of the game’s outcome, Blake Taaffe, the new Bulldogs recruit, always ensures to take time for the fans after each match. This ritual, which he practiced at South Sydney, is something he intends to uphold at Belmore.
He values hearing their feedback, whether positive or negative, and uses it to fuel his preparation for the upcoming training week.
Having once been a fan in the stands himself, Taaffe deeply understands the significance of the rugby league community. His upbringing involved his parents driving him for two hours every weekend as a child to participate in the sport.
“I grew up in La Perouse and later moved to the Central Coast when I was six years old. Despite the distance, my dad would drive me down for five years so I could continue playing for La Perouse and be with my cousins,” Taaffe explained.
“I’m eternally grateful to them. Although my entire family were Souths supporters, they’ve all switched allegiance to the Bulldogs now and have made it quite clear. Without the support of fans and family, we wouldn’t be where we are.”
Taaffe emphasized that his practice of walking over to fans after every game is something he’s been doing since his junior days and intends to continue. He looks forward to connecting with the supporters, meeting faces that will become familiar as time progresses.
I enjoy hearing their feedback, regardless of their emotions. It’s part of the game we’re involved in, and I’m committed to being present to express gratitude for their support.
Taaffe intends to maintain a similar approach this weekend, looking forward to reconnecting with old friends as he faces his former Rabbitohs teammates in tomorrow’s Good Friday clash. Describing the upcoming match as “good fun,” he reflects on his five-year tenure in the red and green jersey.
“I’ve worked closely with Cody for a long time and we still stay in touch,” Taaffe remarked. “From absorbing all the knowledge he shared with me over the past five years to demonstrating what I’ve learned on the field against him, this game has been the highlight of my off-season.”
Despite Taaffe’s recent transition to the blue and white jersey, his rapport with Matt Burton and Stephen Crichton, which has been developing for some time, remains strong and continues to flourish.
“Initially, they selected two other halves, but Matt and I were both called up late,” Taaffe recalled. “We started off quietly but developed a strong relationship after that. Matt excelled at the Panthers, and then we faced each other in the 2021 grand final. Hopefully, we can settle the score and win one here, so I don’t have to worry about it anymore.”
Having gained experience playing in the 2021 grand final, Taaffe now feels confident about establishing himself as a regular in the NRL.
“I’ve been on the fringes for a while as a squad player, so my primary goal is to secure a starting position,” he stated. “I believe this club will propel me to the next level. We’re making progress in the right direction.”
Taaffe has been selected to start against his former team in tomorrow’s match. The Annual Good Friday clash is scheduled to kick off at 4:05 pm on Friday, March 29th, at Accor Stadium.