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from ozleague.com.au
fuelled by revenge: Graham
By Josh Massoud
Former Cronulla Shark Nick Graham has warned NRL sides to be wary of his new club, the Wests Tigers particularly those players within Tigers ranks coming up against their old team mates: rejection has made them hungrier than ever.
One of seven high profile players to join the Tigers from rival clubs this year, Graham declared the new recruits were already sharpening their claws in anticipation of making those who forced them out pay dearly.
"Theres a whole bunch of blokes who have come here this season after being punted from their old clubs with a point to prove," said the red haired lock, whose ten-year career at Cronulla was severed in bitter circumstances early last season following a falling out with former coach Chris Anderson.
Fellow newcomers Scott Sattler, Brett Hodgson and Todd Payten all found themselves temporarily without a home last year due to salary cap restraints. But, regardless of how each arrived at the Tigers, Graham says the fact that all are raring to go against their former team mates will assist the Tigers on a regular basis.
"In most games theres always going to be someone who is going to lift. That will help us a lot," he said.
Fittingly, the first shot at revenge goes to Graham, who will line up against his former club in the Tigers season opener at Telstra Stadium on Saturday Night.
He didnt think the occasion would come so soon, but assures the Sharks hes fired up "big time".
"When I got the draw, it was the first match I began looking for. I had a feeling it would be halfway through the season," Graham said. "Its probably a good thing that it is the first game, because its made me concentrate harder on playing well in the trials and getting focussed earlier on."
"At one stage I never thought that Id ever play against them. It was like I was part of the furniture there."
Despite having shifted NRL teams, Graham returned to his birthplace in the Sutherland Shire following a stint with UK Super League glamour club Wigan last season. He still maintains contact with former team mates Jason Stevens, Dean Bosnich and Greg Bird as well as new Sharks coach Stuart Raper, whom he played under as a youngster and at Wigan.
Having grown up a stones throw away from Shark Park, his only football home until last year, Graham admits to being gladdened by the fact this weeks grudge match is being played on neutral soil.
Regardless of the venue, however, the 29-year old is still coming terms with his date against Raper.
"Im still good mates, with Stuart. Hes the reason why I decided to go to England in the first place," he said. "It seems weird that well be on different sides. Hes a great coach, but more importantly a great bloke."
Asked if following Raper back to the Sharks might have been an option if he hadnt already signed with Wests, Graham thinks long and hard before declaring:
"Coming here has definitely perked me up. Its gotten me out of my comfort zone," he said. "At first it was tough with all the travelling to and from training and I thought maybe it would be easier if I had [played with the Sharks]"
"But coming to a new club has helped me as a person, and a footballer. Everyone here is itching to get into the Top Eight. Theres a great mix of young guys and name players. "
"Well hold our own this year."
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It will be interesting to see how he goes. Ive had the feeling this would be a tough battle not only because its the first game but there will be a bit of emotion
fuelled by revenge: Graham
By Josh Massoud
Former Cronulla Shark Nick Graham has warned NRL sides to be wary of his new club, the Wests Tigers particularly those players within Tigers ranks coming up against their old team mates: rejection has made them hungrier than ever.
One of seven high profile players to join the Tigers from rival clubs this year, Graham declared the new recruits were already sharpening their claws in anticipation of making those who forced them out pay dearly.
"Theres a whole bunch of blokes who have come here this season after being punted from their old clubs with a point to prove," said the red haired lock, whose ten-year career at Cronulla was severed in bitter circumstances early last season following a falling out with former coach Chris Anderson.
Fellow newcomers Scott Sattler, Brett Hodgson and Todd Payten all found themselves temporarily without a home last year due to salary cap restraints. But, regardless of how each arrived at the Tigers, Graham says the fact that all are raring to go against their former team mates will assist the Tigers on a regular basis.
"In most games theres always going to be someone who is going to lift. That will help us a lot," he said.
Fittingly, the first shot at revenge goes to Graham, who will line up against his former club in the Tigers season opener at Telstra Stadium on Saturday Night.
He didnt think the occasion would come so soon, but assures the Sharks hes fired up "big time".
"When I got the draw, it was the first match I began looking for. I had a feeling it would be halfway through the season," Graham said. "Its probably a good thing that it is the first game, because its made me concentrate harder on playing well in the trials and getting focussed earlier on."
"At one stage I never thought that Id ever play against them. It was like I was part of the furniture there."
Despite having shifted NRL teams, Graham returned to his birthplace in the Sutherland Shire following a stint with UK Super League glamour club Wigan last season. He still maintains contact with former team mates Jason Stevens, Dean Bosnich and Greg Bird as well as new Sharks coach Stuart Raper, whom he played under as a youngster and at Wigan.
Having grown up a stones throw away from Shark Park, his only football home until last year, Graham admits to being gladdened by the fact this weeks grudge match is being played on neutral soil.
Regardless of the venue, however, the 29-year old is still coming terms with his date against Raper.
"Im still good mates, with Stuart. Hes the reason why I decided to go to England in the first place," he said. "It seems weird that well be on different sides. Hes a great coach, but more importantly a great bloke."
Asked if following Raper back to the Sharks might have been an option if he hadnt already signed with Wests, Graham thinks long and hard before declaring:
"Coming here has definitely perked me up. Its gotten me out of my comfort zone," he said. "At first it was tough with all the travelling to and from training and I thought maybe it would be easier if I had [played with the Sharks]"
"But coming to a new club has helped me as a person, and a footballer. Everyone here is itching to get into the Top Eight. Theres a great mix of young guys and name players. "
"Well hold our own this year."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
It will be interesting to see how he goes. Ive had the feeling this would be a tough battle not only because its the first game but there will be a bit of emotion
