'It's a big jump up... I'm stoked' - Harrison Graham

Wynnum Manly Seagulls rake Harrison Graham is soaking up every little bit of his six-week train-and-trial with the Brisbane Broncos. 

Three weeks in, Graham, who starred in Wynnum Manly's Hastings Deering Colts premiership-winning team, said he was enjoying his first pre-season with an NRL team.

"It's been really good... intensity has been high," Graham said, adding he was so grateful for the opportunity. 

"I've been loving it. There's a good bunch of lads here. It's just good being around the professionals - professional coaches and high-class players.

"It's a big jump up. It's good being amongst it. I'm stoked."

Graham, who featured for Wynnum Manly's Cup side twice during season 2021, said his love of running helped ease the 'tough factor' of the pre-season training. 

"I like running... I find enjoyment in running, which helps," Graham said.

"The hard part is taking that into skills when you're already fatigued... into wrestling... that's the hard part."

Graham said he was thrilled to be learning from everyone including former NRL hooker and Queensland Maroons player Matt Ballin. 

"In my position, you've got Cory Paix and Jake Turpin... I'm trying to learn a bit off them," Graham said.

"On the coaching staff, they've got Matty Ballin. He was obviously an ex-hooker in the NRL, so it's good to learn some tips off him after every training session."

Graham, who is training with the Broncos six days every week, said he was putting all of his energy into excelling during his six weeks and he would return to Wynnum Manly after Christmas. 

"After Christmas, I'll go back to Wynnum and try and seal the No.9 position... or even No.14 on the bench in Cup," Graham said.

"I want to just try and play consistent Cup next year... that's my main goal."

Graham has spent time learning from 2021 Wynnum Manly Cup hooker and Petero Civoniceva Medal winner Jayden Berrell, who is now pursuing an NRL career with Cronulla Sharks. 

"Berrell is a class player and deserved that opportunity... it definitely opens up an opportunity for me," Graham said.

"Still got competition there with Tristan Hope and a few others. I've just got to work hard and try and seal that spot."

"To play NRL is the ultimate goal. Got to take one step at a time and that starts with Wynnum and Cup next year, hopefully."