Eric Grothe, Jr.
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| Position: | wing |
|---|---|
| Height: | 187 cm |
| Weight: | 102 kg |
| Team: | Parramatta Eels |
| Nationality: | Australian |
| Born: | March 15, 1980 Sydney, Australia |
| Pro career: | 1999 – present |
| Teams: | Parramatta Eels 1999-2000, 2004-present Sydney Roosters 2002-2004 |
| Awards: | 2005 Australian Kangaroos Tri Nations Touring Squad 2006 NSW State of Origin 2005 City Origin |
Eric Raymond Grothe Jr. (born March 15, 1980 in Sydney, NSW) is an Australian rugby league player for the Parramatta Eels in the National Rugby League competition. Grothe started his career with the Eels, but played briefly with the Sydney Roosters before returning to his original club for the 2004 season. He is the son of former rugby league great Eric Grothe, Sr. and his position of choice is on the wing though, he plays centre. For a winger, Grothe is of impressive size. At 1.87 meters tall and 102 kg, he is larger than his teammate, Prop Forward Nathan Cayless (props are often the biggest players on the field.)
[edit] Profile
Aside from being a footballer full-time, Grothe is also a part-time musician.
The large, impressive winger grew up surrounded by rugby league, spending his formative years watching his father Eric Senior star in the Eels’ all-powerful side of the 1980s. Unsurprisingly, he cites his father as his greatest influence.
Eric Junior is not totally overshadowed by his father's legacy. Grothe made his first grade debut in 1999 as a 19-year-old, quickly showcasing his impressive combination of strength and speed.
Within a year he was selected in the NSW side for the State of Origin series. However, a knee injury stopped him making his debut - it was an injury that was to cost him a year of his career.
Grothe returned in 2002 with the Roosters but he signalled he was really back when he rejoined Parramatta in 2004. Grothe, who relaxes by playing music, starred that year and became a City representative in 2005 as he helped the Eels surge up the ladder.
He also continued to showcase his musical talents as a regular member of the band on Channel Nine’s The Footy Show. 
[edit] Career highlights
- Junior Club: Eagle Vale
- Career Stats: 57 career games to date scoring 31 tries
- First Grade Debut: Parramatta v Cowboys, Parramatta Stadium, 10/07/99 (Rd 19)
- Representative Honours: 2005 City Origin Squad, 2005 Australian Kangaroos Tri Nations Touring Squad, 2006 State of Origin Series
