Dalton Grant is looking to celebrate promotion with Bradford Bulls this weekend – before setting his sights on helping Wales qualify for the Rugby League World Cup.
The 28-year-old is set to add to his cap tally when Wales face France, Scotland and Ireland this autumn and the full squad for the tournament will be announced on October 18.
Grant has won six caps to date for Wales and his latest came against Fiji at last year’s World Cup, making his comeback from an ankle injury that had seen him miss the majority of the 2017 campaign.
Once he returned home from the World Cup with the rest of the squad, he signed a contract with former Super League champions Bradford Bulls, where he plays under Wales head coach John Kear.
Grant has had a key role for the Bulls in 2018 and they face Workington Town this weekend in the League 1 promotion final, with a place in the Championship at stake.
“It’s gone really well at Bradford,” Grant said. “It’s good to be playing under John, I’m regularly getting games and I feel like I’m getting back to my best form.
“We’ve only lost three matches all year and we have the play-off final at the weekend. I’ve never been promoted in my career and it’d be great to do it at Bradford.”
With South Wales Scorpions, Barrow Raiders, Dewsbury Rams and now Bradford, Grant has been a prolific try-scorer throughout his career.
He wants to continue that with the Dragons this autumn, knowing a top-two finish will clinch a spot at the next World Cup, which takes place in England.
“We didn’t do too well at last year’s World Cup, but it was a great experience and we didn’t give up at any point,” he said.
“I think we’ve got a good pool of players. We’ve got some experienced heads and some younger lads who are pushing through.
“We had a few new players playing in the World Cup, but there’ll be a few more hoping to make it into the squad this year. It’s important that a pathway is there.
“I was one of the young lads coming through once, but I’ve now got a bit more experience and it’s great to see all of the younger players coming through the system.
“I’m really looking forward to getting back into the Wales camp and playing in the internationals. It’s an important tournament for us.”
Dalton Grant’s Wales stats:
Caps: 6
Tries: 4
Debut: 25/10/2014 v France (European Championship)
Last Wales appearance: 05/11/2017 v Fiji (World Cup)