Penrith Panthers' Tim Grant out to join NSW Blues Tim Grant trains with the Panthers. TIM Grant has dismissed suggestions that he is unhappy at Penrith and claimed his move to the bench has helped him bid for a NSW Origin jersey. Set to lock horns with Parramatta's Tim Mannah tomorrow night in a clash that could help decide the make-up of the Blues front row, Grant laughed off rumours he was out of favour at the Panthers. The 114kg prop has broken back into the top side and is on the verge of finding the form that saw him become one of NSW's best forwards last year. "I was a bit scratchy to start with," Grant said. But I think I have got back to where I need to be over the last few weeks. There is no drama at all here and I am very happy at the club. It was Ivan (Cleary's) decision to put me back to the bench and it was what he thought was best for the team. There is no secret that we are trying new things at Penrith and we are rebuilding. Anything that might give us an edge, we have to try. Grant admitted he was unhappy with being dropped from the starting side but said he didn't kick stones over it. He claims to be better for the experience. "I went back to the bench and I can't say I was happy," Grant said. As a professional and as a competitor I didn't want to be there. But I had to accept it. I think it made me concentrate on some little things in my game a bit more and maybe I am the better for it. But I don't think I am suited to that role as much as starting. I love the battles at the start and just want to get into it. I don't want to sit there watching it. I am the type that wants to dive in. I like to be the one to get the team on the front foot. I want to lead the way for Penrith and be the one to rip in during the tough times and when the battle is on. You can't do that on the bench. Penrith Panthers coach Ivan Cleary says his side 'can't wait to face Parramatta Eels on Monday after what has been a 'tough month'. Grant is now vying to shrug of his slow start and force his way back into the NSW side for Origin I on June 5. He admits the next month will make or break his bid. "The next month is very important," Grant said. I know I have to play well and that is what I have been gearing up for. But in saying that, (coach) Laurie (Daley) probably already has what he wants in his mind. I just need to put my best foot forward and hopefully I am the sort of guy he wants in his team. I feel comfortable playing Origin now and I think that it is an environment that sees me play my best football. The jersey made me feel 10-foot tall and bullet proof because it meant so much to me. It is something that I really want to do and it will be a challenge over the next month to play well and retain that jersey. Grant is winning the battle against Mannah when it comes to statistics, with more runs, metres and tackles. He is looking to score a more emphatic win tomorrow night when the Panthers take on the Eels in what is billed as the battle of the west. "It is going to be a big battle," Grant said. He has a job to do for Parramatta and I see him as their main man in getting the team to go forward. I will do my best to stop him.