There are very few players in Newcastle Rugby League (NEWRL) who strike fear into an opposition forward pack quite like James Taylor.

For the better part of a decade, the former Maitland premiership-winning prop has built his reputation the old-fashioned way — by winning collisions, intimidating opponents and never taking a backward step.

He’s the bloke coaches want beside them when the game gets ugly.

The teammate every forward loves having on board.

The rival every front-rower knows they’ll feel on Sunday morning.

He has the look of a Viking warrior and the mentality to match it. Quite frankly, he’s a terrifying prospect in single contact.

But, this weekend, when South Newcastle hosts his former club Maitland on the biggest day of the Lions’ calendar on 18 July, rugby league won’t be the reason emotions are running high.

Every time Taylor glances down at the front of his jersey, he’ll see the smiling face of his late mother-in-law, Miriama Purcell.

It’s a reminder that some games are bigger than the result.

Sleapy’s Day has become one of NEWRL’s most significant annual events, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local families facing cancer, illness and unimaginable hardship.

For Taylor, though, the cause isn’t something he simply supports.

His family has lived it.

When Miriama needed help, Sleapy’s Foundation was there.

Now, her image sits proudly across the front of South Newcastle’s commemorative jersey, ensuring people will learn her story while reminding them of the lives the charity continues to change.

Ironically, Taylor has represented both clubs that will contest the feature match.

He celebrated premiership success in black and white before later pulling on South Newcastle’s famous red V.

On Saturday, there’ll be no divided loyalties.

Only gratitude.

“I honestly missed being part of Sleapy’s Day last year,” he admitted.

“One of the things that really appealed to me about coming back to Souths was the opportunity to play on such a special day.

“I’m just privileged to be part of such a special foundation… and I can’t wait to run out against Maitland.”

For Taylor, returning to Townson Oval has felt like coming home.

“Getting back into a Lions jersey has been unreal,” he said.

“When I was first here 10 years ago, I was just a kid coming through from the Knights.

“Ben Cross and Todd Hurrell brought me into the club… and I immediately fell in love with the place.

“Souths has always held a special place in my heart and I’m so happy to be back.”

The reunion with his former club will undoubtedly come with plenty of feeling, but Taylor says both teams understand what Saturday is really about.

“I know there’ll be some aggression out there and plenty of banter,” he laughed.

“But, the Maitland boys are great blokes and both sides understand the importance of the day.

“It’s way bigger than football.”

That perspective hasn’t stopped South Newcastle emerging as one of the genuine premiership threats in this year’s Denton Engineering Cup, although Taylor is refusing to get caught up in the hype.

“For us it’s just one week at a time,” he said.

“We’re one unit here. There isn’t one big name in the group, we’re all equal.

“Everyone is ripping in at training and doing the work and, ultimately, that’s what premiership teams are made of.

“We don’t have any superstars. It’s a combined effort.

“But, I’ll happily admit I’m excited about what’s ahead.

“Like Finals, let’s just leave it at that,” he said with a wide grin. 

The Lions face perhaps the biggest challenge of their season against the defending premiers, and Taylor knows better than most what makes Maitland so difficult to beat.

“They just know how to win,” he said.

“It’s that simple.

“They’ll win on the bell if they have to.

“That’s the winning mentality Matty Lantry has built at that club.”

One battle Taylor had been looking forward to, however, won’t eventuate.

His former front-row partner Jayden Butterfield remains sidelined through injury, denying the pair another collision in the middle.

“He’s a champion,” Taylor said.

“This was one of those battles you circle when the draw comes out, but it looks like he won’t quite be ready.

“He’s just a great competitor and I wish him all the best with his recovery.

“Hopefully, we’re lining up against each other again very soon.”

For 80 minutes on Saturday, James Taylor will do what he’s always done.

He’ll charge into defensive lines without fear or hesitation.

He’ll defend with the same aggression that has made him one of Newcastle Rugby League’s most respected enforcers.

He’ll leave everything in the middle.

However, unlike every other game he’s played, this one carries something far more personal.

Because beneath every tackle, every carry and every collision is a simple reminder that rugby league’s greatest strength has never been what happens on the field.

It’s what the game can do for people when life becomes infinitely harder than football ever could.

One of NEWRL’s toughest men won’t just carry the football this weekend.

He’ll carry the memory of the woman whose smile now sits over his heart.

And, for James Taylor, there could be no greater reason to pull on a South Newcastle jersey.

All the action begins at Townson Oval from 10.15am on 18 July, when the women lock horns.

That clash will be followed by the under-19s (11.45am), reserves (1.05pm) and firsts (3pm).

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