Head Noise podcast: James Graham tackles concussion issue in new investigation

James Graham suffered around 20 “official” concussions, and hundreds of head knocks. In a new podcast series, the former NRL star delves into an issue that is affecting the sporting world.

NRL great James Graham is confronted by one of the biggest head knocks of his career in a new podcast investigation for The Australian exploring sports biggest issue – concussion.

The former NRL player, who played over 450 professional games and suffered around 100 concussions, watches for the first time a confronting tackle which left him unconscious, during a finals game between St George Illawarra and Brisbane in 2018.

“It’s strange to watch who you were,” Graham says in The Australian’s video. “It’s only four years ago, but still. It’s strange to think who you once were …”

The interview is part of The Australian’s Head Noise podcast investigation, where Graham has his brain tested and scanned and will reveal the results over the series, as well as interviewing some of sport’s biggest names.

Prior to the knockout Graham explained he had told his teammates at the captain’s run the day before that he was “going to go off”. “I wasn’t going to let them down,” Graham says.

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Former NRL star James Graham was knocked unconscious in a collision while playing for the Dragons against the Broncos.

James Graham was renowned for his tough, uncompromising playing style.

While he wanted to explore his brain health, he also wants to drive change for all players, professional and amateur.

“I am willing to go where no footballer has gone before, and that is to have my brain tested and scanned and to share the results as I receive them,” Graham said.

“I wanted to be really open and honest about this issue, and I wanted people to come on this journey with me with an aim to create a constructive conversation around the issue – but mostly I want to create positive change.”

James Graham gives an insight into the brutal knock in a new podcast investigation series called Head Noise.

Graham will interview prominent Australian sports stars from Olympic sports, to Australian rules football to rugby union, in the podcast.

Rugby league fans know Graham has in the past been vocal in arguing hurt players should have the right to decide whether they are fit to remain on the field after a head knock.

Since retirement, he’s had to confront some hard realities about his own health – and reassess his opinions.

Shortly after retiring, Graham famously said on NRL360 last year he had been considering the consequences of the sport.

Andrew McCullough of the Broncos assists James Graham after he was knocked out. Picture: AAP Image/Dave Hunt

“It’s a very, very complex issue and I had to do some really deep thinking about what I wanted to do [during my career]. And what are the consequences [for] me,” Graham said.

“I have around 20 official concussions and as for unofficial head knocks ranging from the hundreds if not the thousands.

“So why should you care? You should care because professional sports in this country and across the globe are grappling with the issues of head trauma and how these issues trickle down to the fields our children play on.

James Graham said he had hundreds of concussions during his playing career. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“Most of us can remember a time when continuing to play on after a concussion was worn like a badge of honour where TV commentators would praise our bravery for throwing ourselves back into the action.

“But today it’s a different story. We keep hearing the games we play are safer than ever before but is that the truth?”

The first episode of Head Noise will be available Monday, September 5 in The Australian’s app. Download the app: (iOS | Android). Subscribers to The Australian have complete access to Head Noise. Subscribe to The Australian here.

Go to headnoisepodcast.com.au to find out more.