Groat getting ready for big season

Dewsbury signing Matt Groat is happy to have joined the Rams and is targeting a strong season ahead.

Groat made his Dewsbury debut on Sunday in the club’s friendly with Sheffield. The prop signed for the Rams after spending part of the 2015 campaign with Doncaster.

The 23-year old joined the Dons in April last year after several years in the NRL.

Groat told Love Rugby League he is enjoying his time under Glenn Morrison after making the move north-west.

“They have been great to myself and the missus,” he said.

“Glenn’s very knowledgable, I think I’ll learn a lot from him this year.”

Groat arrives at the Rams with an excellent pedigree. He was an Australian Schoolboy in 2009 and 2010, and played for the Junior Kangaroos in 2011.

The front-rower made his NRL debut for the Wests Tigers under Tim Sheens in 2011.

Groat impressed in his first game at his new club, despite the defeat.

“I think the score didn’t reflect the game,” Groat said about Sunday’s match.

“it was good to have a run with some of the younger newer guys that were out to prove themselves. There’s plenty of depth in the club which is a good sign.

“I think we will play our top team against St Helens, it’s going to be a big tester.”

The Rams will take on Super League side Saints in their next pre-season fixture.

“We rested a couple of players [against Sheffield] and had a few injuries too,” Groat said.

“We don’t have the luxury of resting front-rowers, we have three middle men still injured.

Groat said it was a good feeling to make his debut for Dewsbury.

“It felt great,” the Australian said.

“it’s good to play with a good bunch of blokes that really want to be out there.”

Dewsbury have not set a clear target for 2016 but are looking to improve on their 2015 season.

“Our goal I think is to be very competitive, take one game at a time and who knows where we will end up,” Groat said.