'Nothing is really promised to you': McGrady giving everything to Clydesdales opportunity
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Cory McGrady knows the importance of making the most of the opportunities that come.
The talented Toowoomba playmaker has been at the top of the region’s A-grade competition for the past few years, playing with both Valleys Roosters and Highfields Eagles, and named as the 2022 best and fairest.
His hard work and consistent form has now been rewarded with a one-year contract with the Western Clydesdales, who join the Hostplus Cup from next year – the first time the region has been represented at the state’s top level since 2006.
For McGrady, it means a lot to see his region included and to be part of that representation.
But the 29-year-old also knows this opportunity is not one to be squandered after years of toiling away to get back to the Cup level.
Impressing as a youngster, McGrady was signed by the Gold Coast Titans at the age of 13 and went to school at Palm Beach Currumbin. He debuted for the Titans’ under 20s before signing with the Sydney Roosters and playing for them in the now defunct Toyota Cup.
From there he moved to the Melbourne Storm, where he also played under 20s, before signing with Redcliffe and doing a pre-season with the Dolphins. McGrady went on to join the Sunshine Coast Falcons, where he made his Cup debut and got a few games under his belt.
But then he returned to Toowoomba in 2018, where he has continued to flourish in the local competition.
For McGrady, each experience provided him with a life lesson.
“Nothing is really promised to you,” he said.
“You have to stick it out. That’s the biggest thing. You have to hang in there and do all the hard stuff. I wish I could play it back again but that’s how it is.
“I just didn’t take it as seriously as I should have. I was homesick as well. But you have to take those opportunities when you get them. When things don’t go your way, you have to go with it.
“It’s all part of growing up. But I enjoyed playing in under 20s. At least I can say I played and had a go.”
With this knowledge, McGrady has been doing everything he can to press his case at Clydesdales pre-season training this year.
He got the call up from coach Jason Alchin initially, just inviting him to training to see how he went. Then he earned the one-year contract.
Now he’s aiming for a starting spot come Round 1.
“When I heard about (the Clydesdales’ inclusion), I always had it in the back of my mind that I wouldn’t mind having a go at it,” McGrady said.
“The coach rung me and said he wouldn’t mind me coming to training and seeing how I go. It basically went from there.
“I’m liking it so far. It’s been really tough but you have to get through it. I sort of can’t wait until next year.
“It’s just good to be back in that system of training. We’re training four times a week. It’s been tough. Everyone is ripping in and everyone is still learning new things every session.
“My goal is to play for them. I want to make the 13 for the Clydesdales.”
