Chance to hook in again in ‘23 a boon for Granville
THE oldest playmaker in the NRL in 2023 will go around again after North Queensland elected to activate a one-year extension clause to keep Jake Granville in Cowboys colours.
That fact feels surreal to the Rockhampton-born hooker, who will celebrate his 34th birthday in February with another gruelling Townsville preseason. “It probably is (surreal). It does creep up on you pretty quick,” Granville said in his first interview since signing the extension.
“We’ve got a great young squad here who make you feel a bit younger but I’m still enjoying my footy so I’ll keep trying my best for the Cowboys.
“They said they were keen to keep me here and Toddy (Payten, coach) said he thought I still had a bit left in me and I’m fortunate they showed a bit of faith in me. I’m keen to roll around again”
Granville drew level with Michael Morgan as the 10thmost capped Cowboy (169 games) against Cronulla, and will come within a game of exteammate James Tamou (171 Cowboys games) when the pair come face-to-face in Sunday’s Queensland Country Bank Stadium clash with the Tigers.
Granville admitted retirement had only fleetingly crossed his mind. “Nah, not really,” he said.
“I’m glad the Cowboys did activate that (extra) year. I’m enjoying my footy and touchwood my body can hold in there but I’m feeling good.
“As long as I’m still enjoying it I’m giving my best to try to play at the top level.”
The retirement of Benji Marshall last season delivered Granville the honour of being the oldest ballplayer in first grade, and the impending retirement of David Mead at the Broncos will bump the Cowboys rake up to fourth-eldest player in the competition.
Aiden Tolman (by 89 days), Tamou (56 days) and Jared Waerea-hargreaves (18 days) are the only older players to have signed contracts for 2023.