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Tim Grant's shocking omission from the NSW Blues side means there will be just one Panther on show at ANZ Stadium on the 5th of June. That honour goes to Robbie Graham, the 2013 Harold Matthews captain, who has been selected in the NSW Under 16's side to play Queensland in the curtain raiser to the main fixture.
The Rugby League journey of Graham started at the age of four, in the Under 6's at Colyton. He was inspired by a family who loves the game of Rugby League.
Graham played ten seasons at the Colts before moving to the Minchinbury Jets in 2012. He started as a centre before moving into the halves, then into the lock forward position, and finally back to centre where he starred for the Penrith Panthers in 2013.
A Blues jumper looked a long way away as Graham missed the Harold Matthews pre-season due to a broken hand. This put him behind the rest of the squad, but a tremendous work ethic meant that he quickly caught up to the fitness levels required.
Harold Matthews trainer Nathan Mairleitner was glowing in his endorsement of Graham.
"Regardless of who Robbie worked with, with myself on strength and conditioning or offence and defensive coaches, his attitude and willingness to learn was of the highest quality," Mairleitner says.*
Not only did Graham bounce back from his injury setback but he went on to be named Captain of the Penrith Panthers team.
Vincennes Fialelei played with Graham at Colyton, as well as at the Panthers, so he is one player that knows him better than most.
"He is the type of captain that goes out of his way to help you with your game. He gives the boys feedback and praises them when they do something good."
Graham is known for his stellar running game in which he has worked hard to master.
"When I was younger, I used to use my speed but...watching my brothers play they would always hit that unders line. So I practised and practised it. Penrith also helped me a tremendous amount with my foot work," Graham says.
Fialelei heaped praise on his captain in both attack and defence.
"If it wasn't his determination in his defence, it was his speed and agility in attack with his lethal palm."
The Penrith Panthers were unfortunately bundled out of the Harold Matthews competition in the preliminary final after an outstanding season. Graham along with Jarome Broadbridge, Liam Murray and Reed Izzard were invited to a 'Possible v. Probables' Origin trial at Leichhardt Oval.
"It was a faster game than I thought it was going to be, and I wasn't too sure if I was going to be selected," Graham said of the trial.
On Monday the 20th of May, the team was announced and Graham couldn't believe it at first.
"I was shocked when I saw the side. I had to look over it a few times to make sure it was true!"
State of Origin is something Graham has been exposed to from a young age and he can't wait to be a part of it.
"It definitely is the best three games of the year. With the intensity involved and watching the players spill everything to represent their state; to me that is what footy is about," Graham says.
Fialelei commented that the Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews team is "overwhelmed by Robbie's selection."
Mairleitner added, "It's a fantastic achievement for a great kid who always made those extra efforts on the field."
When asked about how it feels to be pulling on the jersey in front of thousands of fans at ANZ Stadium, Graham said, "It is an unbelievable feeling and I can't wait to give everything I have to make NSW proud."
The Rugby League journey of Graham started at the age of four, in the Under 6's at Colyton. He was inspired by a family who loves the game of Rugby League.
Graham played ten seasons at the Colts before moving to the Minchinbury Jets in 2012. He started as a centre before moving into the halves, then into the lock forward position, and finally back to centre where he starred for the Penrith Panthers in 2013.
A Blues jumper looked a long way away as Graham missed the Harold Matthews pre-season due to a broken hand. This put him behind the rest of the squad, but a tremendous work ethic meant that he quickly caught up to the fitness levels required.
Harold Matthews trainer Nathan Mairleitner was glowing in his endorsement of Graham.
"Regardless of who Robbie worked with, with myself on strength and conditioning or offence and defensive coaches, his attitude and willingness to learn was of the highest quality," Mairleitner says.*
Not only did Graham bounce back from his injury setback but he went on to be named Captain of the Penrith Panthers team.
Vincennes Fialelei played with Graham at Colyton, as well as at the Panthers, so he is one player that knows him better than most.
"He is the type of captain that goes out of his way to help you with your game. He gives the boys feedback and praises them when they do something good."
Graham is known for his stellar running game in which he has worked hard to master.
"When I was younger, I used to use my speed but...watching my brothers play they would always hit that unders line. So I practised and practised it. Penrith also helped me a tremendous amount with my foot work," Graham says.
Fialelei heaped praise on his captain in both attack and defence.
"If it wasn't his determination in his defence, it was his speed and agility in attack with his lethal palm."
The Penrith Panthers were unfortunately bundled out of the Harold Matthews competition in the preliminary final after an outstanding season. Graham along with Jarome Broadbridge, Liam Murray and Reed Izzard were invited to a 'Possible v. Probables' Origin trial at Leichhardt Oval.
"It was a faster game than I thought it was going to be, and I wasn't too sure if I was going to be selected," Graham said of the trial.
On Monday the 20th of May, the team was announced and Graham couldn't believe it at first.
"I was shocked when I saw the side. I had to look over it a few times to make sure it was true!"
State of Origin is something Graham has been exposed to from a young age and he can't wait to be a part of it.
"It definitely is the best three games of the year. With the intensity involved and watching the players spill everything to represent their state; to me that is what footy is about," Graham says.
Fialelei commented that the Penrith Panthers Harold Matthews team is "overwhelmed by Robbie's selection."
Mairleitner added, "It's a fantastic achievement for a great kid who always made those extra efforts on the field."
When asked about how it feels to be pulling on the jersey in front of thousands of fans at ANZ Stadium, Graham said, "It is an unbelievable feeling and I can't wait to give everything I have to make NSW proud."
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