Campbell Graham gets finals initiation into Rabbitohs-Roosters rivalry
CAMPBELL Graham’s next game for South Sydney will be the most important game he has played — for more than one reason.
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CAMPBELL Graham’s next game for South Sydney will be the most important game he has played — for more than one reason.
Not only will the lanky winger line up for his first preliminary final, it will be the first time he faces arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters.
You don’t have to tell Graham about the long and heated history between the two clubs.
Born and bred in South Sydney, he feels the rivalry deeply.
“I can’t wait to rip in,” Graham said. “To be playing the Roosters at Allianz Stadium in such a big game, I know what it means, especially to South Sydney fans.
“I’ve grown up around here my whole life. I understand the feeling between the two clubs.
“Even coming through the junior systems, there was that feeling of the local rivalry each time we played.”
Between the ages of seven and 19, Graham played his junior football for local clubs Maroubra Lions and Coogee Womats. He also attended Marcellin College in Randwick, a noted rugby league nursery.
Most of Graham’s lifelong friends are diehard Roosters supporters, and they aren’t shy about giving him grief for his unwavering dedication to the Rabbitohs.
“I was a real passionate Bunnies supporter when I was younger and being from the area I had a real soft spot for Souths,” he said
“All my mates supported them too … or Roosters. Actually, a lot of my mates are into me at the moment because they all go for the Roosters.
“But I was always Souths. This club definitely has a special place in my heart.”
The 19-year-old said he would be pinching himself on Saturday night when he gets to run out on to Allianz Stadium alongside the likes of Redfern stalwart John Sutton and Greg Inglis.
“Greg Inglis was the superstar when I was coming through the ranks,” he said.
“I remember growing up and watching some of the things he could on the field and I was in awe of him. Being a centre, outside back too I used to watch what he could do closely.”
While Saturday night will be one of the biggest moments in Graham’s career, he experienced the scariest moment last weekend when he found himself in a dangerous position when contesting the ball mid-air.
St George Illawarra forward Jeremy Latimore ran into Graham while his feet where off the ground, causing him to somersault in the air before crashing to the ground.
The young flyer emerged unscathed but was clearly shaken.
“I was in a panic for second when I was in the air and I realised my legs were out from underneath me and I didn’t know which way was up,” he said.
“Fortunately I landed in the best way you can in that situation.
“With my height, getting up there puts me a lot higher above everyone else. In the future, it’s finding ways to get around that.”