Canterbury Bulldogs captain James Graham understands he may have to leave the club

JAMES Graham has admitted he may be forced to leave the Bulldogs with the English enforcer making the stunning declaration that Canterbury should be “applauded’’ for hunting his successor.

Bulldog James Graham after a Storm try during the Round 1 2017 NRL game between the Bulldogs and the Melbourne Storm at Southern Cross Group Stadium, Cronulla. Picture: Gregg Porteous

JAMES Graham has admitted he may be forced to leave the Bulldogs — and the English enforcer declared that Canterbury should be “applauded’’ for hunting for his successor.

After leading the Bulldogs to their most convincing win of the year with another fearless frontline assault on Friday against the Rabbitohs, the Canterbury captain said he had no problem with the club attempting to recruit Aaron Woods in a signing that would likely force his exit from Belmore.

“The club has to safeguard its future,’’ Graham said. “And if they are going after some of the best players in the game that play my position then so be it. I am 31 now. The club has to look to their future and I am not naive enough to think they aren’t doing it.

“I have to applaud the club for going after the best players in the game.’’

Graham understands the Bulldogs need to plan for the future. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Graham also said he was prepared to leave Canterbury and finish his career with a rival NRL club.

The Bulldogs are preparing to launch one of the great Canterbury recruitment drives with James Tedesco (Tigers), Kieran Foran (Warriors), Cooper Cronk (Melbourne), Josh Dugan (Dragons), and Alex Johnston (Rabbitohs) all in their sights.

Canterbury have also targeted NSW prop Woods in a move that could see Graham forced to end his loyal Bulldog’s servitude.

“I get that I may have to move on,’’ Graham said. “And I am OK with that. I am no snowflake and I won’t melt if I am told I have to leave.’’

Despite pointing out his age, Graham is intent on continuing his glittering rugby league with no plans to retire.

Graham knows he’s on the older side but he still matches it with the best in the NRL.

“I don’t now to be honest but I can’t see the finish line yet,’’ Graham said.

“I could be one tackle from it all being over but I hope not. At least another of couple years.’’

And while not ruling out a return to the English Super League, the inspirational prop said he hoped to finish his career in the NRL.

“I want to keep on playing rugby league,’’ Graham said. “And I want to do it here. Australian is OK don’t you think? It is not a bad country. I mean compare Bondi Beach to Blackpool Beach (in northern England).

“But again this game throws up strange situations.’’

Graham’s passion and ability will be highly sought after by other clubs. Picture: Gregg Porteous

Graham will be hunted by a host of clubs should he be forced out by the Bulldogs with Newcastle and Manly interested in the ball-playing bulldozer.

Graham gave nothing away when asked about his options for next year.

“At the start of the season I was supposed to be going to Manly,’’ Graham said.

“And then my mum rang me asked me if I had signed with St Helens and was coming home. I told her that I would have told her and not to believe anything unless it comes from me.

“I get made aware of these things (signing rumours) but they are news to me. I want to stay here of course but we will just have to wait and see. It is a game with in a game and it has only just started.’’