Former NSW Origin prop Tim Grant believes the curtain has not drawn on his NRL career and is determined to play first-grade football – whether at the Wests Tigers or another club.
Fresh off a strong performance in the Western Suburbs Magpies’ second win of the 2018 Intrust Super Premiership NSW season, Grant, who scored a try in his team’s 34-22 victory, believes his form is as good now as it’s ever been.
“I just turned 30, I’ve got this year left at the Tigers, and my body feels the best it’s ever been. I’ve played 80 games straight now so I’m feeling good,” Grant, who played two Origin matches for NSW in 2012, tells NSWRL.com.au.
“They’re pretty rare (tries), but it’s good to get over the line and get a good hit-out with the boys and blow the cobwebs out for the year.
“Hopefully [I play NRL] this year with the Tigers but moving forward if it’s not at the Tigers it’s somewhere else. I know myself I’ve got a lot to offer and I hope someone else sees that as well.”
Grant was selected in the Wests Tigers’ 21-man NRL squad for the Round 1 clash with the Roosters, but never took the field. He insists playing in the Intrust Super Premiership is a strong challenge, and reflective of the competition at the club.
“[Intrust Super Premiership] is a good platform not just for the older guys to get some game time but for the younger guys to prove themselves as well… it’s a good competition and it’s part of the game,” Grant, who started at Penrith before moving to South Sydney and eventually linking with Wests Tigers, says.
“I think depth, the amount of off-season signings we made, we were one of the most active clubs, and there are only 17 players selected in the NRL each week but there are 30 in our squad, and there are 30 genuine first-graders. The filtration goes back to ISP and I think that’s the key – personnel.”
Grant, however, knows that competition for spots comes with a kicker. That’s why he’s open to future opportunities elsewhere.
“Rugby League’s a business now, that’s my passion and I love what I do, and I’d love to get an opportunity at the Tigers but moving forward if that’s not there and they want to invest in younger guys I’m happy to go anywhere in the NRL,” he says.
“I love the game, I love everything about it. I’ve been to a few different clubs now and there are good people at every club and a change of clubs, you don't miss out on anything moving [to a new club], your network broadens. If it’s at the Tigers or if it’s somewhere else I’ll be playing on.
“To be honest I feel like my trial form in the NRL is up there with some of the best football I’ve played.
“I never put a time on [career length], but I’m ready to go, my body’s right and I’m playing my best footy – just looking for that opportunity.”
Photo: David Napper
