Tim Grant ‘looking forward to representing the Panthers and Penrith’ in NRL All Stars debut

The Panthers’ NRL All Stars debutant Tim Grant has taken part in the side’s first training session at Coogee Oval this morning, as they prepare for their clash against the Indigenous All Stars at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium this Saturday, February 9.

TG and his NRL team mates will arrive in Ipswich, Queensland this afternoon, where they’ll join the Indigenous team for autograph signing and community activities.

Players from the NRL All Stars, Indigenous All Stars, Women’s All Stars and Women’s Indigenous All Stars will also make community visits tomorrow afternoon to a variety of locations, including areas affected by flooding.

Before Tim headed off to All Stars camp, we had a chat to him about being selected for the team for the first time, and what he was looking forward to the most about taking on this new challenge.

Tim, first it was your 2012 State of Origin debut for the Blues in Game Two, now you’ve been selected to make your NRL All Stars debut. How does it feel?

“It’s a bit of a shock, but also an amazing honour. I’m just really looking forward to getting out there and representing both the Panthers, and the Penrith community. It’s always exciting to get the call up for rep games.

Is this another dream come true for you?

“Yes for sure. I guess you never really expect these things to happen, so that makes it even more special. It’s great to be playing alongside and against so many great players.”

What are you looking forward to the most about the match?

“Just getting out there and playing really. This will obviously be my first hit-out for 2013, so being a rep game, it will really test everyone’s mettle, including my own. It will be interesting to see how we all perform.”

The All-Stars clash is being held at Suncorp for the first time ever. What’s the atmosphere like there from a players’ perspective?

“When it’s a full house, which it usually is at Suncorp, it’s absolutely amazing. The best way I can describe the atmosphere is Origin-like, both for the players and the crowd: I’m sure anyone who’s ever played Origin or been to a live game knows what I’m talking about. I think the excitement there brings out the best in the players.”

Which players in the Indigenous All Stars team do you think will make the biggest impact on the NRL side?

“They’ve got plenty of amazing guys there: Inglis, Thurston, Barba – they’re all top-line blokes. But I think we’ve got a solid outfit too, and both sides will put on a good show.”

Finally, Wayne Bennett is your coach for the game; what are you expecting?

“I’ve never met Wayne, but I’m looking forward to learning everything I can from him; every coach has a different style so it will be a great experience.”