NRL 2021: Sharks star Wade Graham harbours plans to end career playing in France

No need to worry yet, Cronulla fans, but Wade Graham has itchy feet and has been learning French as he looks to eventually fulfil ‘an ambition to eventually go overseas.’

Pictured at Shark Park in Cronulla is Cronulla Sharks NRL player and captain Wade Graham ahead of the start of the 2021 season. Picture: Richard Dobson

Cronulla captain Wade Graham has revealed he is planning to say au revoir to Australia so he can finish his glittering rugby league career in France.

While he still has two seasons remaining on his Sharks deal, Graham, 30, wants to explore the world and has focused on playing for Super League club Catalans in southern France.

Having a Quebec-born and raised French-Canadian fiancee, has only increased Graham’s passion for travel.

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Wade Graham has revealed his ambitions to travel overseas in the future.

A former NSW State of Origin champion, Graham has no plans to leave Cronulla before his deal expires but harbours a deep desire to play overseas.

Graham has been learning French over recent years.

“I do have an ambition to eventually go overseas, especially with my fiance being French-Canadian,” Graham said.

“There is an appeal to test the waters over in France or England, at the right time. It is definitely in our plans at some stage If I’m healthy enough to look overseas.

“It’s something I’d love to do. I’ve been in the NRL since I was 17 and it’s all I have ever known.

“My boys are dual citizens of Australia and Canada and they will be bilingual. They will speak French and English. At this stage, I still feel young in the head and body and I still have things I want to do in the NRL but it’s definitely on my radar.

“We’re looking at it, spoken about it and it’s definitely not off the table. Living abroad appeals to me.

Don’t worry Sharks fans, Wade Graham isn’t leaving town just yet.

“Catalans are the French team playing in Super League so they have an appeal. Me and the missus have discussed it. We discussed the Canadian team (Toronto Wolfpack) when it was up and running and we discussed the potential New York team.

“It will be a discussion we will have down the track. I’m 30 but still have a couple of good seasons left here in Australia.

“I’m getting to the stage of my life where it (his future) will be a family decision with me and my missus, thinking about the kids and how I’m feeling. The club will have some views, I’m pretty well entrenched in Cronulla. It would take a lot to drag me out of there.

“If the time isn’t right then I might finish in the NRL. We will weigh it up a family. I could travel after I retire and pick up a normal job. I’m not opposed to that either.

“If I’m playing footy as a source of income while overseas, then happy days, but if I’m not I’m happy to go and work to earn a quid. This is my 14th pre-season. The end is a lot closer than the start. I have a little bit of time left.”

Graham will play his 250th NRL game in Cronulla’s round two game against Canberra at Jubilee.

He will become just the third Shark – behind Andrew Ettingshausen and Paul Gallen - to achieve the milestone.

Wade Graham last played Origin in 2019.

“It’s an exciting milestone for me and my family. It’s a good achievement,” he said.

“Hopefully we play a good game and I will be able to celebrate after it with my friends and family.

“These achievements, when they happen, are good moments because they are personal milestones but it’s something when you’re career is over, you can look back on when it’s all said and done, and say I did achieve something pretty cool.”

Few rate Cronulla’s chances this season but Graham has a word of warning for critics who dismiss his side’s chances.

The Sharks will start $1.65 favourites for their round one match against St George Illawarra ($2.25) on Sunday night at Jubilee. According to the TAB, Cronulla is paying $34 to win the grand final.

“It’s important to bank some early wins,” Graham said.  

Originally published as NRL 2021: Sharks star Wade Graham harbours plans to end career playing in France