Moss grows on Ghosts

Joel Moss will play for the Grafton Ghosts in 2012. Photo: JoJo Newby/The Daily Examiner

JoJo Newby

JOEL Moss reckons signing with the heavyweights of the NRRRL will improve his footy.

And the 21-year-old fullback admits he's excited.

"I can't wait for the season to start and training with the Ghosts so far has been very professional and enjoyable," Moss said.

"In fact I've never trained like this before. They have so many people helping out...they're a very professional club."

Moss is relishing the prospect of running out with the 2010-11 premiers but knows breaking into the top grade will be a challenge in itself.

With the majority of the Ghosts' outside backs resigning for the upcoming season finding a spot in a backline choc full of talent won't be easy.

"It will be hard to cement a regular first grade spot but I'll be busting my arse off at training and the trial games so hopefully I'll get a run," the former Lower Clarence Magpies and Rhinos fullback said.

"I came to the club because I wanted a challenge, something different, and it's a bonus the Ghosts have been going so well.

For Moss last season was a difficult one playing for a struggling Lower Clarence side which failed to deliver on the footy field.

But according to Moss in hindsight his stint with the Magpies made him a better footballer and brought a renewed confidence to his game

"I was down a bit on confidence when I arrived at the Magpies but playing in a side which was struggling made me step up a bit," Moss admitted.

"I've played first grade the last couple of years where a lot of the guys at the Magpies hadn't. I suppose I had to take on a bit more of a leadership role."

The explosive fullback was one of the Magpies' best players last season. Slicing effortlessly through gaps, leaving defenders grasping at thin air and taking down players twice his side.

But this season something will be missing.

According to Moss it will be the first time since making the top grade he'll be running around without a couple of close mates.

"I know a lot of guys at the Ghosts but it will be strange not playing alongside Toddy (Todd Cameron) and Xavier (Sullivan)," he said.

"They're both good mates but they decided to go down and play with Woopi (Woolgoolga).

"Todd and I always went well together on the field, he'd put me through the gaps."

Grafton Ghosts coach Ryan Farrell said the club were excited about the signing of Moss who will add plenty of depth to their playing ranks.

"Joel started coming to training and has been putting in the effort so we signed him," Farrell explained.

"We're very happy to have him on board. We obviously have the same backline as last year but I'm sure Joel will be pushing for a spot in first grade.

"He's a first grade player and it looks like he's enjoying himself at training."