JOHN GRANT WRESTLES WITH TRANSITION TO LEAGUE

[Guest]

JOHN GRANT WRESTLES WITH TRANSITION TO LEAGUE
Story/photo by Wayne Cousins
14/12/2011 5:09:33 PM

Wests Tigers recruit John Grant is wrestling with his body just as much as he is with the transition from rugby union to rugby league.

The 22-year-old 105kg winger has joined Wests Tigers after becoming a tryscoring sensation for Shute Shield first grade rugby union premiers Eastwood this year.

Rated one of the most talented rugby players in NSW, Grant represented Australia in the World Cup Sevens tournament but is now focused on making a statement in the NRL.

He already has claimed the scalps of NRL speedsters Jarryd Hayne, Greg Inglis, Ben Barba, Josh Morris and Nathan Gardner after beating them home over 100 metres in the Gatorade Bolt sprint at Homebush last year. He now wants to cement a first grade spot with Wests Tigers.

Grant admitted to feeling some pain after being put through the Wests Tigers Strongman Challenge, the torturous Wanda Sandhills, and a gruelling cycling session at Centennial Park.

“The biggest difference from rugby union to league has been the different techniques they use. The pre-season training has been very tough,’’ Grant said.

“Rugby league is a lot more professional and it was something I was looking for.

“My body was pretty fatigued after the Strongman Challenge. Lifting heavy tractor tyres for 12 straight minutes was very demanding.

“I’ve found the wrestling sessions quite tough as I didn’t do any in rugby. It is about knowing how to use your opponent’s body weight. I normally wrestle with Mitch Brown and Joel Reddy and they are pretty good at it. Beau Ryan is pretty good with his hold so he gets me every time.

“I’ve think I’ve put on 5 kilos of muscle since I have been here and have lost 3-4 kilos of fat. It has been a challenge but I’m enjoying every minute of it.”

 

[Guest]

So from this we can take it that not only does Grant have a lot to learn, but physically he has gotten stronger, fitter, leaner and heavier. If he adapts well to ballwork and positional play, he should prove to be a handful out wide in the lower grades and might be in with a shot if injury strikes the outside backs in FG.

 

[black_and_white_tige]

Good on you John, give it your best mate and I'm sure you'll succeed.

 

[Snake]

Anyone that has changed codes would be fooling themselves that the transition wouldn't be hard especially from Rugby to League .Good luck to him as this won't be easy suppose it depends how much you want it !But pleanty of sore muscles one thinks.

 

[Blackandwhite]

I thought I saw somewhere else a mention of him struggling a couple of days ago…..

**POST EDITED BY ADMIN**

 

[Guest]

I thought I saw somewhere else a mention of him struggling a couple of days ago…..

**POST EDITED BY ADMIN**

Yes, which was posted by yourself.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Anyone who thought he was just going to walk into the side (and there were plenty that did) were kidding themselves

 

[fergiefurr]

Realistically grant was never going to play first grade in the first half of the year. He would have been signed as a long term 'see how it goes' project. I doubt he'll even get a run in the first grade trials.

Anyways you can't deny he has all the physical attributes an NRL winger needs and it will be exciting to see how he progresses

 

[alexaki]

Realistically grant was never going to play first grade in the first half of the year. He would have been signed as a long term 'see how it goes' project. I doubt he'll even get a run in the first grade trials.

Anyways you can't deny he has all the physical attributes an NRL winger needs and it will be exciting to see how he progresses

Lote wont play till March, so I reckon Grant will get a run during the trials.

 

[Spartan117]

Im hanging to see this guy, Look out Beau.

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Im hanging to see this guy, Look out Beau.

I don't think the Beauster will be in any danger of losing his spot to Grant in 2012\. The only way i can see Grant getting a run next yr is if injury strikes

 

[GNR4LIFE]

Im hanging to see this guy, Look out Beau.

I don't think the Beauster will be in any danger of losing his spot to Grant in 2012\. The only way i can see Grant getting a run next yr is if injury strikes

 

[851]

Realistically grant was never going to play first grade in the first half of the year. He would have been signed as a long term 'see how it goes' project. I doubt he'll even get a run in the first grade trials.

Anyways you can't deny he has all the physical attributes an NRL winger needs and it will be exciting to see how he progresses

Lote wont play till March, so I reckon Grant will get a run during the trials.

I saw Lote on tv the other day,he had his good arm in a cast,after wrist surgery,he said he will be fit for the the start of the season,and is raring to go.

 

[wests4ever]

Anyone who thought he was just going to walk into the side (and there were plenty that did) were kidding themselves

I think all the signs are indicating that John will be pressing for inclusion in the 1ST team 17 from the start of the season!!!!!
I can't believe the negativity of some forum members about his chances???
I believe I am right in saying that he will be "unstoppable" once the season really gets underway!!!!!!
"He will succeed"- I have no doubts about that "AS A FACT"!!!!!!
He has all the right physical,mental attributes to succeed- SO WHY WOULDN'T HE SUCCEED"????? :wtf
HE WILL MAKE ALL YOU "doubting thomases" eat your words!!!!!!
"You better beieve that" -you guys!!!! :brick:
GO THE TIGERS!!!!!!!! :sign:

 

[happy_tiger]

Anyone who thought he was just going to walk into the side (and there were plenty that did) were kidding themselves

I think all the signs are indicating that John will be pressing for inclusion in the 1ST team 17 from the start of the season!!!!!
I can't believe the negativity of some forum members about his chances???
I believe I am right in saying that he will be "unstoppable" once the season really gets underway!!!!!!
"He will succeed"- I have no doubts about that "AS A FACT"!!!!!!
He has all the right physical,mental attributes to succeed- SO WHY WOULDN'T HE SUCCEED"????? :wtf
HE WILL MAKE ALL YOU "doubting thomases" eat your words!!!!!!
"You better beieve that" -you guys!!!! :brick:
GO THE TIGERS!!!!!!!! :sign:

Easiest way to answer this issue Time will tell guys and we all can have an opinion right or wrong
I think most of us believe he has the physical attributes to make it and most of us hope he does make it

I personally think he will struggle for a few reasons but wish him the best of luck

 

[hammertime]

My main concern with John is that he has seemed a little timid in the clips I've seen. I'm hoping Sheens can instill a bit of mongrel in him, because with his size and speed, he certainly has the attributes to be world class.

It might take a while for him to get on the field. I can't see him in the starting 17 at the beginning of the year if Lote and Beau are fit.

I think his best chance is in the 17 jumper. Would be brilliant impact off the bench at the end of the game and we have enough versatility on field to cover injuries.

 

[MacDougall]

Imagine how much Beau would be giving it to him when he pins him? Being one of his main rivals and spanking him every time lol.

 

[magpiecol]

Anyone who thought he was just going to walk into the side (and there were plenty that did) were kidding themselves

I think all the signs are indicating that John will be pressing for inclusion in the 1ST team 17 from the start of the season!!!!!
I can't believe the negativity of some forum members about his chances???
I believe I am right in saying that he will be "unstoppable" once the season really gets underway!!!!!!
"He will succeed"- I have no doubts about that "AS A FACT"!!!!!!
He has all the right physical,mental attributes to succeed- SO WHY WOULDN'T HE SUCCEED"????? :wtf
HE WILL MAKE ALL YOU "doubting thomases" eat your words!!!!!!
"You better beieve that" -you guys!!!! :brick:
GO THE TIGERS!!!!!!!! :sign:

Could not agree more. He should go ok.

It was not so long ago that some people on this forum were calling for the head of Ryan. How times change.

 

[simonthetiger]

Why wouldnt he get a run in the trials??

Seems an obvious yes to moi!!
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Posted using RoarFEED

 

[clontarfkid]

Its exactly what I want to hear from Grant…I said in a previous post that whilst possessing speed & size he was a bit of a string -bean,the implications of which cld be the NRL cld be a little tough for him.
The 5 kgs of muscle(with hopefully more to come)whilst retaining his speed could well make him one of the best finishers WT has seen.
When was the last time we had any player (apart from lawrence)who got into open space & you cld be certain it was going to be a try?
Given that most of our spec signings are cast-offs from weaker teams,I reckon Grant is one of the best specs weve made,& hope he fulfills his considerable potential