Tim Grant is ready to use the lessons learned from Petero Civoniceva to lead NSW to victory in next week's State of Origin clash in Sydney.
NSW debutant Tim Grant cites two of Queensland's greatest front-rowers as among the biggest influences on his career, and is now ready to put those lessons into practice and upset the Maroons in next week's State of Origin clash in Sydney.
The Penrith prop will go head-to-head with former Panthers skipper Petero Civoniceva, and the 24-year-old said it'll be a special occasion when he takes on his mentor at ANZ Stadium.
"It's a great opportunity being here and playing against Pet will be a great moment for me as he's helped so much throughout my career," Grant told AAP.
"I've learnt everything from him off the field and now I am playing against him and I am sure I will learn more from that experience too and try to use it to my advantage."
While Grant is full of admiration for the statesmanlike figure of Civoniceva he credits former Queensland prop Steve Price with opening his eyes to what is required to be an elite-level prop.
"Having the size I always went well in the juniors in the front-row," Grant said.
"But I remember in my debut season playing against Steve Price and I learned a few lessons that night that I still value today.
"It was the way he was working on the field for his teammates and the amount of stuff he did without the ball that really gave me a better understanding of my position."
Grant will pack down with North Queensland front-rower James Tamou, who had a superb debut in game one, and the 194cm bookend is looking forward to lining up alongside him.
"I've met Jimmy before and no doubt we'll have a good chat over the camp and if I can play anywhere near as good as he did, then I've done well," he said.
Tamou said the opening fixture in Melbourne was like nothing he'd ever experienced and can't wait for another chance to run at the Maroons.
"It was easily more intense than in a Test match," said the recently-capped Kangaroos star.
"I can remember parts of the game where you run around to get back on-side and they are already running at you.
"I've never experienced that before. Now I have and I'll be ready for game two.
"Tim will be quite an addition to the team. Any team that plays the Penrith Panthers will always do video on him and I am glad I'm on the same team as him."
