Sport
13 February, 2025
Ex-NRL playmaker Ash Taylor headlines further Bears signings
The Oakey Bears have signed former Gold Coast Titans playmaker Ashley Taylor for the 2025 Toowoomba Rugby League season, along with two other TRL players.
Ash Taylor
Big news for all Oakey Bears fans!
We’re thrilled to announce that Ash Taylor, a player who needs no introduction, is set to continue his TRL journey with the Bears in 2025.
We’re making the Den Ash’s new home for the foreseeable future, and we couldn’t be more excited.
Ash’s undeniable talent and calming influence on the field, paired with our commitment to player welfare and our strategic investments in programs and tools that support this, create the perfect partnership.
The 2025 season is set to be historic, as we’re confident the 2025 Bears will be the best TRL side Ash has played in.
His ability to dazzle the opposition and supporters will surely reach new heights in the black and white.
Welcome to the Den, Ash!
Together, we will make 2025 your most spectacular year yet in the TRL.
Let’s go, Bears!
Fine Faingaa
Get ready to witness the power of Fine Faingaa joining our squad for the 2025 season!
Described as a wrecking ball on the field, Fine is set to bring his unstoppable force to the Bears.
He’s a powerhouse who thrives on big minutes and even bigger plays.
When Fine gets the ball and spots a gap, good luck to anyone trying to bring him down!
His blend of strength and agility makes him a formidable opponent and a thrilling player to watch.
We’re absolutely thrilled to have Fine wear the black and white.
Welcome to the Den, Fine.
We can’t wait to see you smash through the competition and light up the field in 2025!
Richard Murray
We’re thrilled to announce that Richard Murray is also joining us for the 2025 season!
Known for his relentless energy on the field, Richard can run and hit all day
long.
Last year, a few of our boys found out first-hand what it’s like to be on the wrong side of his tackles - it was like running into a brick wall.
Now, they’re all smiles because Richard will be wearing the black and white, bringing his dominant force to our side.
Whether it’s moving the ball forward or stopping the opposition dead in their tracks, Richard is a game-changer.
Get ready for some electrifying football when Richard takes the field in 2025.
It’s going to be a season filled with hard hits and thrilling plays, thanks to our newest Bear!
- Jason Shannon
Oakey Bears President
Analysis of Signings by TRL Commentator Andrew O'Brien
The number of signings shows the fantastic job that the board has done and the attraction for the players are going there.
Players are not going to go there unless they feel there’s a vision at the club.
Jason and Jess are doing a great job.
It will be nice to get all these players, but they’ve got to perform on the training paddock.
The Bears have fallen behind a bit in recent years due to a lack of players coming through.
The old stalwarts have been very good, but the Toowoomba Rugby League competition is the best grassroots competition in Australia.
Oakey has had a good business model, but they’ve taken it into the next step this year.
The club has always had wonderful support, even if they’re coming last, the town is behind them.
Ash Taylor brings the experience, but he brings his body as well, which has been an issue.
If his body is managed right by him and the club, then there will be good things ahead.
Dylan Chown is the signing of the year as far as I’m concerned.
He’s ageless and I’m really looking forward to watching him play.
John Palavi is so experienced.
He’s such a good player and an even better person.
Fine Faingaa is great off the bench, and if he is managed well, he will be a force.
He’s got a big following and a big personality.
Harrison Burns was the player of the match in the Reserves Grand Final last year.
Richard Murray is a tremendous player, he was an 18-year-old prodigy and played for Valleys in a premiership winning side.
Angus Taylor, he’s been a FIFO player and it depends on his fitness. I don’t know if he’s going to be there week-in, week-out.
Tony Clevin has the potential to be the best broken play player in the competition if his team gives him the opportunities.
However, the key to Oakey’s success this year will be the players they already have.
Joey Eising was a week-in, week-out player last year for the Bears.
Damon Anderson is coming back home, if fit, he could be one of the real star front rowers and a leader.
