Thirroul Butchers coach Jarrod Costello has praised the efforts of former Brydens Lawyers NSW Blues forward Tim Grant after he steered his side to a 14-10 victory over Western Rams in Round 4 with a stunning 80-minute performance in the front-row.
It was a season-defining win for last year’s Preliminary Finalists after they were reduced to 12-men when fullback Leigh Higgins was sent to the sin-bin.
They managed to withstand a barrage of Rams’ attacking raids despite the one-man advantage and held on for their second win of the season.
He admits that Grant’s inspiring display will have a profound influence on his side moving forward and his inclusion into the Butchers squad in 2020 has already been a success.
“He’s been awesome around the team and the club,” he said.
“He’s an outstanding person and obviously a very experienced player.
“He played 80 minutes last week and he did that quite comfortably. I’m really looking forward to seeing another big game from him this weekend, and particularly excited for the fans who love to come and watch him play.
“There will be a good feeling around the club on Saturday.”
The Butchers and Hills District Bulls will now headline a blockbuster opening fixture in Round 5 of the Presidents Cup with a coveted place in the top-four up for grabs on Saturday.
Thirroul currently sit sixth on the competition ladder but will be brimming with confidence after their win over the Rams, which followed on from a heavy 38-16 defeat to North Sydney Bears a week prior.
Coach Jarrod Costello spoke with pride when detailing the defensive resolve of his side in the dying stages that ultimately could have cost them two valuable competition points.
“It was a good performance from us, I thought defensively we were good in stages, particularly towards the backend where we lost plenty of field position through poor discipline,” Costello told NSWRL.com.au.
“We had to defend for quite a while there with one of our guys in the sin-bin and we were able to note concede any points there.
“We showed good character there and made some try-saving tackles that won us the game, so that certainly is a strong sign of character.”
Meanwhile, in other Presidents Cup matches this weekend, ladder-leaders Maitland Pickers will look to continue their undefeated start to the new campaign when they host the winless Western Rams at Maitland Sports Ground.
They will be seemingly rejuvenated given they enjoyed the bye in Round 4, with the Rams looking for a vast improvement after they were made to rue a host of missed opportunities against Thirroul.
Dubbo CYMS and Glebe Burwood Wolves will also look to return to the winner’s circle when they go head-to-head on Saturday, while Wentworthville will desperately search for their first win of the season when they play Western Suburbs.
All the action from the Butchers clash with the Bulls at Gibson Park will be live streamed exclusively on NSWRL Facebook on Saturday from 1pm.
