SLADE Griffin is eyeing a return to Melbourne Storm’s first grade line-up after back-to-back knee reconstructions.
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Griffin, speaking while visiting schools across Albury-Wodonga as part of the NRL’s community carnival, said he was ready to put the disappointment of two seasons on the sidelines behind him and build on his 13 matches for the Storm.
“Coming off the knee injuries, I just want to get back to playing footy and get back around the boys,” he said.
“It’s been a long journey in the gym by myself.
“Hopefully I can play some good footy and get back in the side and maybe put my hand up around Origin time.
“I’d like to get a trial under my belt but there’s no rush – I will just wait until the confidence is there.”
Griffin said as long as stars Billy Slater, Cooper Cronk and Cameron Smith were at the club, the Storm could contend for the flag after last season’s semi-final exit.
“Every year we get written off at this time of the season, everyone says our core group is too old but with players of that calibre, they just keep producing,” he said.
“I think we’ve got a lot of young talent and a lot of depth in our squad.
“We made the semis last year and I think we have an even better chance this year.
“It’s a tough competition but we are feeling pretty good after the pre-season we’ve had.”
The 25-year-old New Zealander, who grew up in the South Island town of Greymouth, said he enjoyed visiting schools.
The workshops focused on sleep, hydration, belonging and mental health at the schools before training clinics at Brian Esler Park in Wodonga and Sarvaas Park in Albury.
“As a player and as a person, it is really important that I keep my mind and my body healthy so that I am performing at my best,” he said.
“I love getting out on the road, meeting the locals and providing people with some really simple tips to keep happy, healthy and active.
“I grew up in a small country town, smaller than Albury, and we didn’t even have any traffic lights.
“When a sports team would come to town we would take the day off school just to go and watch them.
“I know how much it means to the kids and it’s always great to see the smiles on their faces.”
NRL Chief Operating Officer Suzanne Young, said the visits were an opportunity for rugby league to reach out to regional fans.
“Our fans are the lifeblood of our game and our clubs and ambassadors do an amazing job in local communities right throughout the year, spending time with kids and educating them on the importance of eating well and staying healthy,” she said.