Abbie Grant links with Bulldogs
Harden WorHawk and NSW Country representative Abbie Grant is one step closer to living out her NRLW dream.
The 19-year-old recently signed a train and trial deal with the Canterbury Bulldogs ahead of the 2024 Harvey Norman NSW Women’s Premiership.
With NSWRL aligning the NSW Women’s Premiership with the 2024 NRLW competition, which kicks off in March, it will allow players like Grant a pathway into the elite competition, and the WorHawk will be out to lock down a spot with the Bulldogs.
“I am a pretty determined person, and I think my attitude is a positive thing,” Grant said.
“Being a county kid, I’ve got a bit more heart, and I’m eager to learn, and compared to the city girls, I probably want it more.
“I will be taking everything I can get out of it, and my goal is to make the side, but even if nothing comes of it, I’ll definitely look to learn as much as I can.”
The local product explained how she became a Bulldog, having trialled against some of the best young players in Australia and New Zealand.
“My manager told me to go and trial there, and I went down to Sydney in October and trialled; there were about 200 of us,” Grant explained.
“They picked about 35 to play a second game, and I played that, but I didn’t find out anything on the day.”
In fact, Grant was made to wait and find out if she would be a Bulldog or not.
“It was massive; I’ve never trialled for a club like that and with that many girls,” Grant said.
“Girls from New Zealand flew over for the day, and they had enough for ten teams, and it was tough competition.
“I trialled at lock and didn’t find out for a couple of weeks. It was a nervous wait, and other girls I trialled with were getting letters saying they didn’t get picked, and I finally got a letter like everyone else. It was a bit of a relief when I finally did and found out I was in the team.”
Grant still has a lot of work to do, with the success of her train and trial contract dependent on her performance at training and in pre-season trial games.
“I have to go down in January for an eight-week preseason block,” Grant said.
“After that, I either get signed or dropped, and if I get picked, I get to go back and kick off the season.”
When asked what it meant to be a part of the Bulldogs system, Grant was pleased.
“The Bulldogs have an excellent development program, and they’re expected to get an NRLW side in 2025,” Grant said.
“Fingers crossed, I can make this team and maybe be a part of their inaugural NRLW side the following year.
“They are going to help find me a house and job with a sponsor down there, and they have been so supportive.”
Grant won’t be resting up over Christmas, with the youngster aiming to be fit and firing for a big showing at pre-season.
“It’s going to be a big challenge, but one I’m looking forward to, and I’ll be as ready as I can be when I get up there,” Grant said.
