PLENTY OF NSW PRIDE FOR MATT GROAT

[Guest]

PLENTY OF NSW PRIDE FOR MATT GROAT
By Wayne Cousins
16/04/2012 5:45:57 PM

Wests Tigers prop Matt Groat is looking forward to locking horns with Queensland in the inaugural U20s State of Origin match at Penrith on Saturday, April 21.

Groat today became the ‘face’ of the U20S Origin match where he was on hand for the announcement of the U20s NSW team. He will be joined in the Blues side by Wests Tigers half-back Jacob Miller.

The tough young prop is adamant there will be plenty of feeling in the match at Centrebet Stadium.

“I was over the moon when I was told I made the team. There is obviously a lot of pride in the NSW jumper,’’ Groat said.

“Every time you put on the NSW jersey, be it in the U16s or U18, it is a great honour.

“There is always a strong rivalry with Queensland and it will be the same on Saturday. Growing up in NSW, you are bred to hate Queenslanders and to take pride in the NSW jersey.

“I think the U20s Origin match is a great concept as it rewards players in form in the NYC competition and those young players who are playing in the NRL. It is a chance for them to show what they are capable of at a representative level.”

Groat said he would feel right at home with Miller barking the orders at half-back.

“Jacob is a very aggressive half-back and a very good organiser. He demands respect on the field and he gets it,’’ Groat added.

“I’m sure he will be pumped for the game.”

City Origin prop Aaron Woods says Groat deserved his selection after working very hard on his game over the off-season after coming into the NRL midway through last year.

“Groaty is really focused this year. He was living off the adrenalin and was just happy to be in first grade when he came into the team last year,’’ Woods said.

“There has been a massive change in him and he has been doing a lot of extra work at training.

“Matt is a very good talker on the field. Being in the front row is not easy as you have got all of the big boys coming at you. He is always pushing up in the line and working with you, so it makes your job a lot easier.

“I’m sure he will do NSW proud.”

Match Details:
Centrebet Stadium, Penrith
Kick-off Time: 7:30pm
Tickets: $10 (adults); $5 (junior – 4-15yrs); $25 (family)
Phone: 1300 12 10 12

 

[cnx_tigers]

Miller is the Under 20s NSW half back…...........massive future if handled rightly.

I really hope the rumours he's on the outer are not true. Very good judges like Kimmorley rate him BIG time.

 

[Tbone]

Congratulations Scroaty on making the NSW junior team.

Lots of people on this forum blame him for all our losses. Many simultaneously complain we are buying players that are too old but also that we are not giving young players a go. Then when a junior has a bad game or doesn't set the world on fire they want him dropped.

 

[cnx_tigers]

For his age, Groat is a hell of prospect. Very rarely do props who are 20 years old make the starting side of an NRL team.

I just hope we don't ruin him. He's clearly not ready yet to be a full season player. He needs some time back in the lower grades where he can dominate and get fitter.

 

[Knuckles]

There is no doubt that Matt is going to make it in the big time … Those who bag him now do so at their own peril.

I wish him all the very best in the state of origin and hope he has a blinder.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Plenty of common sense posts in this thread, and I heartily agree with them all.

Shame he and Jacob weren't cane toads…

 

[innsaneink]

It will be very interesting to watch these two at this stage of their careers in a game where they will be two of a few of the most senior and experienced on the paddock….best of luck to both

 

[GNR4LIFE]

For his age, Groat is a hell of prospect. Very rarely do props who are 20 years old make the starting side of an NRL team.

I just hope we don't ruin him. He's clearly not ready yet to be a full season player. He needs some time back in the lower grades where he can dominate and get fitter.

Keep in mind he only made the starting side when both Galloway and Bell were injured, not to mention we are skinny enough in the front row as it is. I'm sorry i just don't see anything special in him. Woods on the other hand is a freak

 

[aajlewis]

Does anyone know where to buy tickets ?
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[innsaneink]

Does anyone know where to buy tickets ?
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ProTicket

https://www.proticket.com.au/event.asp?eventid=1791

 

[happy_tiger]

For his age, Groat is a hell of prospect. Very rarely do props who are 20 years old make the starting side of an NRL team.

I just hope we don't ruin him. He's clearly not ready yet to be a full season player. He needs some time back in the lower grades where he can dominate and get fitter.

Keep in mind he only made the starting side when both Galloway and Bell were injured, not to mention we are skinny enough in the front row as it is. I'm sorry i just don't see anything special in him. Woods on the other hand is a freak

But as I have said previously that where lots of people are making a mistake Comparing him to Woods is wrong Woods is the best young prop I have seen coming through since Glen Lazarus or Shane Webcke

Groat in my opinion won't reach Woods standard but he will be a good quality player which every club needs , much in same vein as Bell imo

 

[Coast_Tiger]

Groat will be better than Bell. He is a great young talent. Not as natural an athlete as Woods who is a freak for his age, but Groat will mature into a better than average first grader…possibly even a senior rep player. He has 10-12 years ahead of him. Give him time.
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[851]

Good luck to Groat and Miller,hope they carve up,what is Miller doing wrong,why won't Sheens give him a proper go,not a half baked go like he has been given before.

 

[WestsSupporter]

Shame all the U20s stars are KIWIS

 

[Centaur]

For his age, Groat is a hell of prospect. Very rarely do props who are 20 years old make the starting side of an NRL team.

I just hope we don't ruin him. He's clearly not ready yet to be a full season player. He needs some time back in the lower grades where he can dominate and get fitter.

Keep in mind he only made the starting side when both Galloway and Bell were injured, not to mention we are skinny enough in the front row as it is. I'm sorry i just don't see anything special in him. Woods on the other hand is a freak

Woods was nothing special in his first year either really. A lot of people were writing him off because he had feet for hands and gave away too many penalties.

 

[Knuckles]

I remember seeing Woods play in the NYC against Penrith a couple of seasons ago when he had a beard.
He did look promising at that time as well.

 

[Winnipeg]

what is Groat's height and weight?

he looks a pretty big unit on TV, but maybe still has a few KG he could shed

 

[boonboon]

When looking at these blokes remember lazarusmdidnt play nrl until he was 22 and rep at 24, petro nrl at 22 and 25 for origin , chief was 24 when he played origin , blocker was only 22when he played origin but it just shows these big blokes need time to develop physical maturity -woods will be one of the best ever props and IMO might play origin this year if not next , groat well he is under 20 give him 2 years before you judepge him

 

[adamtiger]

props are like a fine wine, they get better with age!! groat is still a baby let him grow up a little before judging…imo when he comes off the bench he doesnt look bad at all its only been when starting!!

 

[Tiger_Watto]

Well done to both Matt and Jacob…. I hope Matt rips in and enjoys playing with this company!

I have a feeling the NSW 20's will be the only NSW team enjoying victory this year!