Career
He has previously played for Thirlmere Roosters in the Group 6 Rugby League, Saint George Illawarra Dragons and Wests Tigers in the NRL. He plays at property Early years
From the small town of Rankins Springs in the Riverina, Groat lived on a 6000ha property, before becoming a student at renowned rugby league school Street Gregory"s College, Campbelltown. During his time at the school he was named as the most valuable player for his team at the 2010 Australian Schoolboys Championships, and represented the Australian Schoolboys team in 2009 and 2010.
In 2011, he was named in the Junior Kangaroos team
Wests Tigers
Groat joined the Wests Tigers New York City Cup team in 2011. By round 12 he had progressed to making his debut in first grade, after a late injury to Wade McKinnon.
Having already played a lower-grade game, Groat came off the bench in the last 5 minutes. Later in the season, Groat became a regular in the first side, playing off the bench.
In an early-season match in 2012, Groat was knocked unconscious by a shoulder charge from Brisbane Broncos forward Ben Te"o.
The incident was considered a "test case" on how the judiciary would treat players who made contact with the head when attempting a shoulder-charge. Two weeks later Groat played for New South Wales in the inaugural under-20s State of Origin match, but he failed to make a further first grade appearance for the season. Groat was unable to play at the start of 2013 due to injury.
Coach Mick Potter said, "Matt got his ankle, foot and toe caught in the ground and got some weight on the back of lieutenant
He had been working hard and his shape was looking better too." He didn"t play any first grade in 2013. Saint George Illawarra Dragons
In September 2013, it was announced that Groat had signed with the Dragons for at least one season.
He failed to make any first-grade appearances for the club, and a year later signed with Salford Red Devils. Groat has studied a Certificate 4 in Fitness.
