Sacked by Ivan Cleary, Tim Grant backs him to join Wests Tigers
Ivan Cleary, the man most likely to take over as coach at Wests Tigers, moved Tim Grant on from Penrith. And Grant reckons he was right to do so.
Which is why the former NSW prop welcomes the prospect of reuniting with Cleary at Concord.
No timeline on Taylor replacement
The Tigers' big four won't re-sign until they know who the 2018 coach will be, but the board's in no rush to find Jason Taylor's successor.
"It obviously wasn't ideal for me leaving Penrith, but in saying that, it was the right call for the club," Grant said.
"They've grown to bigger and better things and I've matured from then. I understand that."
Tigers prop Tim Grant says he feels for Jason Taylor. Photo: Getty Images
The Tigers are on the lookout for a new coach to replace Jason Taylor and there are precious few around with first-grade experience. Cleary is the most qualified clipboard holder not currently working in the NRL and has experience in turning clubs around, as evidenced by his stints at the Warriors and Penrith.
While Grant's departure from the foot of the mountains hurt at the time, the 29-year-old said he had no qualms about rekindling a relationship with Cleary.
"Like anything in footy, there are circumstances around salary cap and that sort of stuff," Grant said.
"I enjoyed my time under 'Ive'. I learnt a lot. In saying that, I can actually see the fit of Ivan Cleary at the Tigers, I can definitely see how that fits in with our young guys.
"He helped the likes of Matt Moylan and that come through at Penrith when I was there. That was pretty impressive.
"Also I've seen Ivan work – and I don't know if it was a father-son relationship or more of a coaching tip – but he always used to be out on the field with [son and Penrith halfback] Nathan as a young kid when I was at Penrith.
"He's definitely got the ability to bring on young players, that's for sure."
Taylor was sacked just three games into the season, following big losses to Canberra and Penrith. Grant said the players had to take a lot of the responsibility for the coach's demise.
"It doesn't matter how the coach wants you to skin a cat, if you don't skin it you're not doing your job," he said.
"Jason didn't miss any tackles or drop any balls on the weekend. Against Penrith he didn't either.
"Going back to last year, we missed the play-offs by one game. That's crucial. There are games there we should have won."
Asked if Taylor was hard done by, Grant said: "I don't know whether I would say hard done by or what the word is for it. It's the nature of the beast and personally I feel sorry for him. I've worked closely with Jason for the past 18 months and I found him to be a really good guy and good coach as well.
"What he did do for me, I have a spot for Jason, I feel for him."
The Tigers face a formidable task in their quest to turn around their fortunes. They host the undefeated Melbourne Storm at Leichhardt on Sunday in what will be Andrew Webster's first game as an NRL head coach.
Cleary is the favourite to take over, although NSW boss Laurie Daley and former Manly mentor Geoff Toovey are also on a shortlist of potential targets.
Aaron Woods, one of the "big four" players off contract, said he wouldn't make a decision on his future until he knew who was coaching the side. Several other free agents also want to know who will be Taylor's replacement before committing long term, although winger David Nofoaluma isn't one of them.
"I'm not fussed about that," Nofoaluma said.
"Whoever the coach is, I'm still trying to be the best player I can be. I don't think that affects my game, I still want to play my best footy.
"Obviously JT is gone and if a new coach comes in I need to learn new things, which is something I enjoy."
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