Storm hooker Harry Grant heads into this weekend’s NRL grand final with added motivation as he faces the Brisbane Broncos, the club he dreamed of playing for as a child. Growing up in Yeppoon, central Queensland, Grant was a devoted Broncos fan and harboured aspirations of wearing their jersey in the professional ranks. However, his journey took a different path when he was signed by Melbourne as a teenager.
After patiently learning under the legendary Cameron Smith and spending time on loan at the Wests Tigers, Grant has emerged as one of the league’s top hookers at just 27 years of age. As he prepares for his second consecutive grand final, he reflects on the emotional weight of confronting a team that once passed him over. "It’s a big yes," he admitted when asked if it stings to compete against the Broncos, although he’s mindful of keeping his feelings in check for-game day.
During an interview on Nine’s Grand Final Countdown, Grant shared his deep respect for the Broncos’ legacy, noting how most Queenslanders, including him, idolised the club. Now, he finds himself in the extraordinary position of captaining the Storm against the very team he dreamed of joining, a surreal moment he plans to savour.
Storm’s coaching legend, Cameron Smith, also acknowledged the drive to prove oneself against Brisbane throughout his career. He noted that the motivation to excel was always present, regardless of the match’s significance. For Grant, this grand final is an opportunity to solidify his standing as a top player, especially after navigating some challenges earlier in the season.
Reflecting on his form during State of Origin, Grant spoke about facing a mid-season injury that affected his performance. He didn’t feel adequately prepared for Origin game one, admitting that he tried to do too much. Since then, he’s focused on simplifying his game, honing in on key areas to improve his overall play week in and week out.
With the grand final approaching, Grant is ready to channel his past aspirations into a performance that could define his career, aiming to not only lead his team to victory but also to demonstrate his capabilities on the biggest stage against the club of his childhood dreams. As anticipation builds, he remains eager to seize this opportunity, showcasing his growth and dedication to the sport.