IPSWICH Jets prop Rod Griffin admitted to being nervous before the clash with the PNG Hunters yesterday.
But he didn’t show it, with the PNG-born prop the man of the match in the Jets’ emphatic 28-12 preliminary final win.
A warrior in both attack and defence, Griffin didn’t take a backward step.
“There were proud and nervous moments for me at the same time,” he said. “It is always good to play against my own country but you’ve got to turn up for games like this.
“We knew they were going to come out hard against us.
“Everyone talks about our attack but today we showed we can step up and defend.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LOCAL SPORT
“It is a very proud moment.”
Griffin said the Jets were a brotherhood in the true sense of the word.
“It is a community and all the boys are really close,” he said.
“We don’t have any big names and all the boys are local.
“I am just so proud to be out there with them.
“Every jersey out there was representing Ipswich.”
Griffin said the players won’t be overawed at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday in the title decider.
“I have won a grand final with the Northern Pride,” he said.
“It will be a big stage (against the Blackhawks) on Sunday but the boys will be ready.”