Jake Granville placed in most difficult position yet ahead of NRL Game 200
Jake Granville has played just about every position on the footy field but this week finds himself in his toughest position yet, ahead of his milestone 200th NRL game.
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Jake Granville has played just about every position on the footy field but this week finds himself in his toughest position yet: the spotlight.
The hooker has forged one of North Queensland’s great football careers by thriving in uncomfortable places but never is he further from his comfort zone than when being celebrated.
Granville, 34, will play his 200th NRL game against Parramatta in front of what is shaping to be a sellout at Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
Fewer than 3,000 tickets remain for the Member’s Round clash that will double as a celebration of Granville’s contribution to the club.
“I’ve been aware of it for a little bit and I’ve just been taking every week as it comes, especially at my age,” Granville said.
“I never thought of it as a job until I came up here.”
Granville isn’t kidding.
While so many share tales of being overlooked because of their size as a junior, this Rockhampton product wasn’t told he’d ‘never make it’ in rugby league because he never believed he would either.
Granville was 23 and starring under the late Paul Green at Wynnum-Manly when Brisbane came knocking with a contract.
“I didn’t really look into footy as a job until it started becoming a reality,” he reflected.
“I just enjoyed my footy playing with mates. I’m just grateful it’s turned out that way.”
An offer to join the Cowboys as Green’s first choice hooker in 2015 ended in a landmark premiership and kicked off the journey that has led Granville this milestone.
“When I first joined the Cowboys I probably didn’t think I’d have this sort of relationship with the club, to be honest,” he reflected.
“It’s been such a good place for me and I’ve enjoyed my time here. I’m very grateful and privileged to be part of such a good club.”
His teammates are happy to sing the humble rake’s praises on his behalf.
“I love him, I love playing with him,” fullback Scott Drinkwater said.
“He’s the nicest bloke in our team. He gets out there and refuses to let anyone down, never gives up on a play and for the smallest player on the field he hits the hardest.
“To still do what he’s doing at his age and playing in the middle, getting stuck into the big boys, he’s a true definition of a Cowboy.
“We owe the ‘Breather’ a big one this weekend.”
Prop Coen Hess will play his 137th game by Granville’s side on Saturday, after eight years as teammates.
“He’s a Cowboy through and through and that shows every time he runs on the field,” he said.
“He gets a standing ovation every time he takes the field. The crowd loves him, we love him, the club loves him and he’s just a guy that you need in every team. There’s not enough good words you can say about the bloke.”
Granville could reach 200 club games for North Queensland if the Cowboys reach the preliminary final.
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Originally published as Jake Granville placed in most difficult position yet ahead of NRL Game 200
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