Wests Tigers sign Rugby winger John Grant

[system]

http://www.weststigers.com.au/default.aspx?s=article-display&id=39556&title=wests-tigers-sign-exciting-rugby-winger-john-grant

 

[Deano1]

Hot off the official site!!
Wests Tigers has today announced the signing of one of the most talented rugby union players in powerful winger John Grant.

Grant currently plays first grade rugby for undefeated Eastwood in the Shute Shield competition. The 22-year-old has signed a one-year deal with Wests Tigers for the 2012 season. He can also play full-back and centre.

The nephew of former Balmain Tigers winger, James Grant, the winger stands at 195cm and weights 102kg. He was the leading tryscorer in the 2010 Shute Shield with 22 tries.

A former student at St Ignatius College, Grant won the GPS 100 metre title in a time of 10.8 seconds. He finished second in last year’s Gatorade Bolt race behind Wallaby Lachie Turner but beat home NRL players Jarryd Hayne, Greg Inglis, Ben Barba. Josh Morris and Nathan Gardner.

A member of the Australian Rugby Sevens squad,Grant graduated from the Junior Waratahs and the NSW Academy squads during the summer of 2009/10.

Grant says he is looking forward to the challenge of playing in the toughest rugby league competition in the world.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in Rugby Union as it presented me with some great opportunities to develop my game,’’ Grant said.

“I’m now looking forward to the next chapter of my career in Rugby League. Wests Tigers is a great Club and I can’t wait to get started with them next year under the direction of Australian Test Coach Tim Sheens.”

Wests Tigers CEO Stephen Humphreys said the Club was delighted to be able to secure the services of John Grant.

“John is an extremely talented winger who possesses great speed, a solidly built frame, and has good hands,’’ Humphreys said.

“He is one of the most exciting prospects in Rugby Union and Wests Tigers is delighted to have secured his signature.

"I’m sure John is very much looking forward to be able to develop his game not only under Tim Sheens but alongside the likes of some of our exciting backs in Benji Marshall, Lote Tuqiri and Chris Lawrence to name a few.”

Check out videos of here of John Grant in action

WATCH JOHN GRANT RACE IN THE GATORADE BOLT

WATCH JOHN GRANT HIGHLIGHTS PACKAGE

Watch John Grant play for Eastwood in Shute Shield:
Sat, July 30: vs Parramatta, TG Milner Field, 3pm
Sat, August 13: vs Eastern Suburbs, Woollahra Oval, 3pm
Sat, August 20: vs West Harbour, TG Milner Field, 3pm
Sat, August 27: vs Penrith, Nepean Rugby Park, 3pm
Sat, September 3: vs Northern Suburbs, TG Milner Field, 3pm
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[Drewby]

Welcome to the Tigers, John!

If your highlights package is anything to go by then we're in for a treat. WELCOME WELCOME WELCOME!!

NOW THAT'S SOME SPEEEEEEEEEEEED

 

[MacDougall]

That highlights package ain't bad. He looks every bit the NRL first grader. Would it be safe to say he'd be the best Union player in Australia not to play Super Rugby?

 

[underdog]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5q_TJL_9Abw

link to the highlights package

Well, there is our fullback role sewn up.

 

[Chris]

I'll reserve my judgment till this time next year.

 

[Alf_Duguid]

That highlights package ain't bad. He looks every bit the NRL first grader. Would it be safe to say he'd be the best Union player in Australia not to play Super Rugby?

I think you'll find that is Dan Gardiner

 

[MacDougall]

^ well let's sign him too… so would Grant be second?

 

[clontarfkid]

That highlights package ain't bad. He looks every bit the NRL first grader. Would it be safe to say he'd be the best Union player in Australia not to play Super Rugby?

I think you'll find that is Dan Gardiner

Quite an impressive hilites package.
I watch a lot of Yawnion,& I didnt realise he had so much to offer.
The burning question is…how come Grant wasnt picked up bu one of the Super 15 franchises,who are all desperate for pacy wingers.....Melb Rebels particularly?

 

[Goose]

John Grant is an awesome signing! I cant believe we have got him.

He'll be well suited to league, obviously lightning quick and is pretty good defender. Blokes that defend well out wide in rugby will have no dramas in league as long as they are physically stong enough, and he is definately that. Ive seen him in the flesh at few games he is definately quality.

In answer to your question why has he not been picked up by a union franchise, he has had a couple of untimely injuries, which meant he missed alot of the junior age rep games, unfortunately S15 put far too much importance on under age football. Some of the selections of those sides are baffling to everyone.

Im very excited about this signing, prob as much as I was with Blair.

 

[Masterton]

May he do as well as our last outside back from union.

 

[Goose]

I know a few boys that have played with and against him they say he's lightning but has the heart the size of a pea.

I have seen him play in the Shute Shield and he goes good but like said previously its a lot different to the NRL. Most local A grade rugby league sides would be at the top of the Shute Shield ladde.r

ridicuolous comment in regards to the Shute Shield. Shute shield is clearly not NRL, but is a very good standard.

Have seen heaps of blokes come from A grade and bundy cup and stuff thinking they'll kill it and play first grade, some get to first grade, most dont, even at the weaker clubs, i know it is a leaguie tradition to bag rugby and say how much better the league players are and all the rest, but a dominate player in the Shute Shield is a quality footballer, dont worry about that. Not all are suited to league, just as not all league players are suited to union.

 

[Chris]

I'm happy that we only signed him to a 1 year contract. Let's see what he can do, if he's a success, extend his contract but if he fails, show him the door. Nothing ventured nothing gained.

 

[Goose]

I know a few boys that have played with and against him they say he's lightning but has the heart the size of a pea.

I have seen him play in the Shute Shield and he goes good but like said previously its a lot different to the NRL. Most local A grade rugby league sides would be at the top of the Shute Shield ladde.r

That's a pretty big call….

I don't think they'd be too many A grade league sides who'd be on top of the Shute Shield. But then again ignorance is bliss....

I'd be interested in knowing the boys who played with and against who think he's got a heart like a pea. If Matt Burke says that he rates John Grant then I think that is a fair enough recommendation for me.

Pretty sure Matt Burke has never played with or against John Grant and im also pretty sure that what I said about Grant is common knowledge in Rugby circles…

I didn't suggest that Matt Burke did play with or against John Grant I merely said he had a high opinion of him.

And I'm absolutely sure there are people in Rugby Circles who disagree with you….

can confirm that most i speak to in rugby circles rate him very highly.
Im sure there is some blokes who dont rate him, but there is people who dont rate anyone, My uncle told me he didnt think much of Black Caviar, I know a bloke who reckons Joey was over rated….so im sure there is blokes who think Grant is no good

 

[Goose]

That highlights package ain't bad. He looks every bit the NRL first grader. Would it be safe to say he'd be the best Union player in Australia not to play Super Rugby?

I think you'll find that is Dan Gardiner

that would be my pick, Grant is up there however….

 

[Balmain_Bug]

Brett Papworth just said on 2SM that "John Grant was unwanted in Rugby".

Hopefully Fonz and the crew can do something with him. Fonz goes ok coaching wingers.

 

[Chris]

You're slipping Bug, you actually gave Tim a wrap mate.

 

[hammertime]

Could be another Darren Clark. But I think its always worth trying things like this to provide us with a few potential options to create a superstar. Especially when he was probably cheap.

Koroibete will probably out do him for the 1st grade wing spot, since he has been playing the game longer, but it's a possibility that Grant might give him a run for his money.

Great pickup from Sheensy! especially on the 1 year contract.

 

[Hbom]

Sounds to me like an excellent speculative signing. As long as not too many dollars involved it is great to see the tigers bring in a player who clearly has size, speed and is good in the air. Lets hope he adapts to league well and get behind the bloke rather than shoot him down first mistake he makes.

 

[dazza65]

This IS a good signing - obviously untried at NRL level but he is big, strong, good under the high ball, quick on his feet, good defence and BLOODY seriously fast. Reminds me a little of Patty Richards - maybe quicker!
All good for a one year contract with options - definitely worth the try