Wests Tigers recruit Billy Walters is excited over the prospect of "great mate" Harry Grant joining him at Concord as an historic swap deal between the Melbourne Storm and the Sydney club that looked to be off due to salary cap issues has sensationally been put back on the table.
A deal to swap Tigers centre Paul Momirovski and young Storm hooker Grant was recently jettisoned by the league over a minor salary cap discrepancy but the two clubs have reopened negotiations with the intent of getting the deal through.
Providing all protocol is followed, the move could happen in time for Round One despite the March 1 deadline for each squad to register 29 players having passed.
Despite potentially robbing him of the first crack in the Tigers' No.9 jersey, the son of Queensland coach and Broncos legend Kevin Walters told 9News he was positive about the prospect of being reunited with Grant.
"Harry was one of my good mates in Melbourne, I'm excited if it happens," Walters said.
"Obviously, it'd be a shame to lose Momirovski because he's a great player. But I know how good Harry is and he's probably in the same boat, and definitely ready for NRL.
"We were great mates down in Melbourne. He moved there his first year with me as well. So we kind of went through the last two years together and he's a great mate.
"If we grab him that would be a great get for the club. How it all works I'm not sure but I suppose if I get the nod Round One I'll just have to try and prove my worth and hopefully I can hold my spot.
"What opportunity he gets I'm not sure but if he does he'll shine."
Grant is understood to be the driving force behind the revival of the deal, pushing for a release with the aim of securing consistent game time at the Tigers.
While a positional overlap with Walters could loom in the No.9 jersey, the Tiger said he was ready for the challenge and was being spurred along at his new club by some well-established NRL talent.
"I think I have worked hard this pre-season, obviously I've had a bit of competition with Josh (Reynolds) and even Moses (Mbye) training at nine a little bit," Walters said.
"They've both really pushed me to try and train my best and put my best foot forward. If I do get the nod for No.9 for round one I'll be stoked and I'll be trying to take it with both hands.
"I think I'm ready, that's why I came here to get that opportunity and hopefully play a bit more consistent first grade.
"I just want to play consistent NRL, hopefully have an injury free season and lock down a spot, hopefully No.9 and just play a full year of NRL."
As he establishes himself in first grade, Walters said he is eager to carve his own path despite the obvious comparisons that will be made to his famous bloodline after his father dominated the game alongside twin brother Kerrod and older brother Steve.
"As I got older, I realised how good the Walters clan actually were," he said. "It's just about trying to find my own feet and my own pathway I guess and just be the best that I can be.
"I grew up just thinking you grow up, play NRL and win grand finals – because that's what Dad did. But I eventually found out that's not the case. You're lucky to win one let alone six, so I'm just chasing that one grand final win so hopefully we can do that this year at the Tigers."
Walters joked: "Dad actually told me to ask them (uncles Kerrod and Steve) what they did and do the complete opposite. I suppose I've been picking their brains a little bit.
"They were in a different era I guess, they were probably a lot tougher than I was back then.
"Just trying to get help from everyone, obviously Cameron Smith in Melbourne and then Robbie Farah here as well and Madge has worked with a lot of good No.9s in the NRL at the moment – so just picking their brains and doing the best I can."
from WWOS http://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/billy-walters-excited-by-harry-grant-paul-momirovski-wests-tigers-melbourne-storm-swap-deal/64354f53-ca00-4f88-ac60-2a2fd8a981b5
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