Once again Brisbane rake Andrew McCullough finds himself in Jake Granville’s sights.
However, McCullough has dismissed talk that form North Queensland No.9 Granville will be out to prove a point in Saturday night’s NRL qualifying final after years in his ex-Broncos teammate’s shadow.
Granville, 26, has been a revelation for the Cowboys this year, prompting Broncos back-rower Corey Parker to rate his ex-teammate as North Queensland’s best rake since club great Aaron Payne.
“I was talking to Thursto (Cowboys playmaker Johnathan Thurston) in Queensland Origin camp about him,” Parker said of Granville.
“He has certainly brought something to their side that I don’t think has been there since Aaron Payne (retired in 2012).
“He has had a great year for them.”
Granville once kept McCullough honest as Broncos back-up hooker but left in the off-season for the Cowboys after two frustrating years and has not looked back.
From 2013-14, Granville played just 10 games for Brisbane, scoring two tries.
For the Cowboys this year to date Granville has scored 10 tries in 24 games, largely from his trademark explosive dummy half runs.
But now that Granville’s gamble to move north has paid off, McCullough did not believe his ex-teammate would be out to prove a point against him at Suncorp Stadium this weekend.
“Look at every club, everyone moves on,” McCullough said.
“He’s moved on, he’s happy and he’s in a winning team – I don’t think he has a lot to prove.”
Granville has blossomed after being reunited with his second tier Queensland Cup club Wynnum Manly coach Paul Green at the Cowboys.
Granville won back to back Queensland Cup titles for Wynnum Manly under coach Green from 2011-12.
Now holding the Cowboys reins, Green hopes Granville helps maintain the Midas touch in the looming NRL finals.
“Jake has taken his opportunity. He’s always had the ability and Greeny has seen that in him,” McCullough said of his ex-teammate.
Parker added: “He’s been fantastic.
“He didn’t get a chance here because we have such a great hooker in Andrew McCullough.
“But he’s been a revelation for them.”
