Melbourne Storm debutant Harry Grant tells melbournestorm.com.au his story, in his own words.
Two weeks ago I went back home to Yeppoon. I've still got posters of Cameron Smith on the wall in my room.
A week later he was presenting me with my debut NRL jersey at training.
It was surreal – I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, I was smiling the whole time.
I was listening to Smithy thinking 'how good is this'!
Growing up, Cameron was one of my rugby league idols – alongside Darren Lockyer and Billy Slater.
On Saturday night, I got the chance to play my first NRL match and I got to play alongside Billy Slater. It was a childhood dream.
Everything has been pretty surreal for me.
You always dream of that moment to make your first-grade debut. To do it in the purple jersey was even more special.
For me the dream to play NRL started back when I was playing at the age of 4 or 5. I was always playing competitively or in the back yard with my brothers.
For me it was everything.
I was pretty nervous the whole week leading up to the game on Saturday night. I didn't really want to think too far into it.
Once the game came around I was VERY nervous.
Sitting on the bench didn't really help but once I got out there I was sweet.
It was a lot quicker than I'm used to. There were big bodies everywhere and I was always on edge.
I called mum and dad straight after Craig told me I would be playing.
They were stoked for me.
Mum didn't believe it really, she was speechless just like I was.
They came down to Melbourne with my brothers and their girlfriends for the weekend. I had a few mates come down too which was awesome.
It was great to have everyone here together for the game.
It will be a memory I cherish for a long time.
