THE Cowra Eagles could potentially unleash former Country Eagle, and Canowindra product, John Grant on the Dubbo Rhinos this weekend, as coach Troy Hayes looks to seal another bonus-point win.
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Grant, who was contracted with Wests Tigers during 2011, has been released from the Shute Shield’s Eastwood Rugby club and was expected at Cowra’s training on Thursday night.
Known for his sheer speed and tryscoring ability, Grant is likely to slot into the fullback’s role for Cowra despite spending most of his recent time at outsider centre for Eastwood.
Hayes said it would be an awesome coup, especially one week out from next weekend’s blockbuster against Orange City.
“He’s still under an injury cloud with his ankle but he’s supposed to be at training tonight [Thursday] which gives me an opportunity to talk to him and see where he’s at,” coach Troy Hayes said.
“It’s really good to have him, I’m thinking he’d play fullback I don’t want to disrupt our side too much.”
The announcement of Grant’s move to the Eagles comes after last weekend’s match was deferred as CSU’s University Oval was deemed unplayable early in the week.
Hayes said he was unsure when the game would be played as discussions between the two clubs and the Central West Rugby Union continue, but he was pushing for midweek after the City clash.
The focus for Hayes, though, is preparing his side as best he can for the next fortnight, and firstly securing a bonus-point win against Rhinos.
He’s placed an emphasis on keeping the Dubbo side scoreless on their home turf.
“We’re going to try and keep them scoreless, it is a goal of ours to limit their attacking opportunities,” Hayes said.
“We haven’t settled on a team [for Dubbo Rhinos] yet we’ll know more after training tonight.
“I’m trying to pick a side that could be the same as what will take the paddock against Orange City next weekend. Unfortunately that’s a side without Bill Cummins, Matt Spicer and Mitchell Budge,” he said.
While Spicer recovers from a shoulder injury, Cummins - who is available this weekend - will be overseas for three weeks and Budge is in New Zealand.
Saturday’s first grade fixture between Cowra and Dubbo Rhinos at Caltex Park kicks off at 3.15pm.