Graig Newman is a familiar name to Saskatchewan football fans, especially in Saskatoon. The Bridge City native is back for a second tour of duty with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he began his CFL career in 2012.
“It’s amazing. It’s good to be back in front of the home town crowd and representing Saskatchewan again,” Newman said.
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The former Saskatoon Hilltops star spent his first two pro seasons with the Riders before signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers as a free agent in 2014.
Two years later he became a free agent once more and jumped at the chance to return to his home province.
“At the end of the day it’s a business and you’ve got to take care of yourself and do what’s best for you, so whether that’s going to the enemy, going to the dark side with the Blue Bombers, you gotta do that,” Newman said with a smile.
“But it’s come full circle and here I am back with the Riders.”
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Since the start of his career, Newman has made his living on special teams. Now the 30-year-old – who was once named the defensive MVP of the 2011 Canadian Bowl – is looking to take the next step into a spot on the Riders’ defence, ideally as the starting free safety.
“I haven’t got a start on defence going to my fifth year so I’m really gunning to earn a starting spot and play some defence,” he said.
“Special teams is great and a very important part of the game but to take the next step up and get that higher level of achievement, I want to earn that spot on defence.”
This season may be his best opportunity yet. After a forgettable 2015 which saw the Riders allow the most points in the league, the defence is in full overhaul mode and many jobs are up for grabs.
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Unfortunately for Newman, an undisclosed injury has forced him to miss the last few practices at training camp, costing him valuable opportunities to impress Saskatchewan’s coaching staff.
“This week’s been tough on him because he hasn’t been out there. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen 42 in there, so hopefully we get him back and we’re able to evaluate,” said head coach and general manager Chris Jones.
In the meantime Newman will keep studying Jones’ defensive play book, eager to show his new coach that he’s ready for a bigger role.
“I think it’s an awesome ‘D’ and I think (Jones) has a proven track record that shows that defences can win championships, and I think we’ve got all the keys to be a championship team, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” he said.
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