Guru playing for love, not money

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: Sam Ruttyn / News Limited

FOR love, not money sounds like an album cover title for Eric Grothe Jr's rock band, Shinobi.

However, it could also easily become the soundtrack to the 33 year-old's surprising NRL comeback quest, given the former Parramatta and State of Origin winger is set to pocket less than the weekly wage of a brickies labourer.

Offered nothing but a handshake and the opportunity to prove he's serious about returning to rugby league for the first time in three years by Cronulla coach Shane Flangan, Grothe Jr has only the next three months to prove his worth.

If come February either Grothe Jr or Cronulla officials believe the challenge is insurmountable, the powerfully built winger's lofty ambition to once again play for NSW will be buried once and for all.

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

In the meantime, Grothe Jr will be paid the minimum wage, which under the terms of the NRL's collective bargaining agreement will see him earn just $940 a week.

It's a risk Grothe Jr is willing to take as he strives to fulfil what he sees as unfinished business.

"It's not about money,'' Grothe Jr said.

"If it was, I definitely wouldn't be doing it let me tell you.

"All I heard in the meeting with Flanno (Flanagan) and Noycey (Sharks chief executive Steve Noyce) was the word 'opportunity' and I jumped at it.

"We spoke about getting to the point that if both parties are happy when it comes to trials (in February) then we can lock into a contract for the season and I'm absolutely fine with that.''

It was a phone call from Newcastle coach Wayne Bennett, who Grothe Jr was weighing up playing under next season, which convinced him to link with the Sharks.

"Wayne was terrific in considering giving me a chance, but he was also really honest on why he thought the Sharks would be a perfect fit for me, given I live around the corner,'' Grothe Jr.

"I was preparing to move up to Newcastle, but Wayne spoke really highly of Flanno and the players at the club and after a week here I can see why.''

The Sunday Telegraph watched Grothe Jr train in the unfamiliar blue, black and white colours for the first time last Thursday during a boxing session under trainer Mark Gambin at Kostya Tzsyu's gym in Rockdale alongside new teammates Blake Ayshford, Daniel Holdsworth and Matt Prior.

Eric Grothe Jnr pictured training for his return to the NRL after 3 years in retirement. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

And perhaps it's when witnessing Grothe Jr getting punched in the head that you know he's deadly serious about proving he still has something to offer.

"Every day I've got to be on song at training,'' Grothe Jr said.

"I'm 33 and been out of the game for three seasons, so its not a likely scenario.

"But I'm confident because I know what my body feels like and how hard I've been training.

"I haven't felt this good in a long time. I wouldn't kid myself if I was training and felt slow and fat - as if I'd do it. It's the hardest team sport on the planet.''

At his peak, Grothe Jr was a brutally-tough winger.

An explosive ball runner, just like his father Parramatta legend Eric Grothe, he had the ability to deliver the perfect start and finish to every set of six for his side.

The knock on Grothe Jr was his attitude and approach towards training day-in, day-out, but it appears age has forged a new-found respect for the game. He currently weighs 105kgs and is focused on reaching 101kgs in time for next year's trials.

Daniel Holdsworth pictured training for his return to the NRL with the Cronulla Sharks. Pictured boxing at Rockdale PCYC. Source: News Limited

"About five or six years ago it started to go towards a young man's game, but as the years have gone on its changed because of smarter recovery and training.'' Grothe Jr.

"I don't even know myself now, I go home and stretch, I have ice baths. I grab DJ (Daniel Holdsworth) and we go and stretch. It's weird for me, but I'm loving it.''

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