Raiders throw Dave Taylor a lifeline

Former Queensland Origin star David Taylor will attend pre-season training with the Canberra Raiders as part of a short term agreement.

The agreement will be reviewed at the end of December after the start of pre-season, with the hope of both parties agreeing to a playing contract in 2017.

Ricky Stuart said the athletic forward would have short term goals to achieve if he wanted to end up playing for the club.

"If David achieves his goals and is then offered a small playing fee for 2017 he has made better choices for himself, his family and his football," Stuart said.

"It has shown he has bought in and committed to turning himself around.

"The Raiders have the resources in turning David into a regular NRL player, but it’s up to David to show if he wants it bad enough."

But the one-Test player's bid for a return to play in Australia could face opposition from the NRL after he last month pleaded guilty to possessing cocaine.

He is due to be sentenced in November.

Taylor last played in the NRL with the Gold Coast, leaving in 2015 to play in the English Super League with Catalans Dragons.