However, he has taken advantage of his second chance, working in the community and earning a university degree. His on-field performance mirrored his off-field development, returning to the Kiwis line-up.
Taylor's rise to captaincy is a tale of perseverance.
The forward was an important part of the Warriors after his debut in 2011, culminating in a grand final appearance in the last season the Warriors were competitive, before signing a four-year deal with the Penrith Panthers for 2014 onwards.
Taylor was considered a potential captain in 2016 for the Panthers but soon found himself relegated to reserve grade as fellow Northlander James Fisher-Harris took his spot.
He then found a lifeline with the Wests Tigers and flourished at the club.
Taylor was vice-captain last year but now has the chance to take on the highest on-field leader role.
Cleary said he believed this was the right way forward for the club.
"When we started this pre-season it was pretty obvious straight away that there was no real pecking order," he said.
"There was no set culture to adhere to. It was all new. That was what I wanted it to be like and that's how it panned out.
"With this particular team at the moment I think it's going to work best to spread that role and allow those blokes to develop in their own way."
The first chance to see the new dynamic in action will be tomorrow night as they take on the North Queensland Cowboys in a trial match.
