James Graham calls on everyone in NRL to grow up and support midyear Test in United States
JAMES Graham has called on everyone in the NRL to grow up and get behind a mid-season Test match between England and New Zealand in the United States this year.
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JAMES Graham has called on everyone in the NRL to grow up and get behind a mid-season Test match between England and New Zealand in the United States this year.
Putting him at odds with his new club bosses at St George Illawarra, the tough-as-nails prop didn’t hesitate to put his hand up if the game pencilled in for the same weekend as State of Origin II gets the green light.
In a wideranging interview, Graham also urged Wayne Bennett to stay on as England coach and spoke passionately about his move to the Dragons, refusing to get dragged into Canterbury’s bitter board election.
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Several clubs including the Dragons have already voiced their concerns about playing a midyear Test in the United States because of the potential impact on player welfare.
It would mean Graham would have to potentially play a weekend Test in Denver, Colorado, then fly back to Australia and back up the following Thursday night for his NRL club.
Graham was adamant he wanted to be involved.
“Absolutely, I am really keen to be a part of that game,” Graham said. “I am fully behind it.”
Dragons chief executive Peter Doust told The Daily Telegraph late last year he had concerns about the timing of the game and other NRL club bosses were also understandably wary.
As it stands, NRL clubs get no salary cap relief for players injured in representative games.
But Graham’s view is that everyone has to think big picture.
“I really do think this could be massive for international rugby league off the back of the World Cup,” Graham said.
“Anyone that watched the World Cup knows that international rugby league could be at the forefront of our game.
“I think as a sport we need to think big, whether we are taking the game to Denver or Dubai or wherever it is.
“It is on everyone in the game, the players, the fans, the clubs, the International Board to try and grow it.
“From a player welfare view, you are talking the game being that weekend and backing up on the Thursday.
“We might all have to sacrifice a little bit but for the greater good of the international game I would be happy to do it.”
Graham also called on Bennett to continue in the England job.
The Brisbane coach hasn’t committed and is waiting to see how serious the game’s bosses are about growing the international game with a representative calendar fair for all nations.
“I would love to have him back,” Graham said.
He has been great for me and I have not heard a bad word about him from the boys.
“I know that is easy to say.
“You never read of anyone slagging off a coach in the papers but I honestly would love for Wayne to continue in the job.
“I have been involved in the England team for quite some time now and it is at a point where everyone wants to be involved and Wayne has had a lot to do with that.”
Graham is loving his move to the Dragons and holds no animosity against the Bulldogs.
His departure became a talking point again in the countdown to the Canterbury board election after Ray Dib was quoted last weekend basically saying the Bulldogs couldn’t stand in 32-year-old’s way after the Dragons offered him a three-year deal.
Lynne Anderson, who is standing on the Bulldogs Reform Team’s rival ticket, argued the fact Graham was prepared to cop a pay cut to keep Josh Reynolds highlighted he didn’t want to leave the Bulldogs.
“In all honesty, in terms of what is being said, it doesn’t bother me,” Graham said. “I am really happy with how things have worked out. I sincerely mean it.
“I wish the best for everyone at Canterbury. What’s done is done and I am not bitter about it. I am happy.
“I am hoping St George Illawarra is happy and that the situation at Canterbury has been resolved. It is the best case for everybody really.”