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James Graham may have departed the NRL but the former St George Illawarra and Canterbury star admits his post-career future lies in Australia. Graham secured an early release from his …
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James Graham may have departed the NRL but the former St George Illawarra and Canterbury star admits his post-career future lies in Australia.
Graham secured an early release from his Dragons contract last month to return to England and finish a stellar 17-year career with boyhood club St Helens.
The Liverpool-born front-rower, who won the Dally M prop of the year award in 2014, played his last game for the Dragons on June 18 in the win over Gold Coast to take up a short-term contract with the Super League champions following Luke Thompson’s early departure to Canterbury.
He’ll head back to northwest England from Sydney next week ahead of the August 1 season restart.
“I’ve got mixed emotions, and I’m leaving St George with a heavy heart,” Graham told Saints TV.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Australia. I’ve made friends for life and spent half my adult life over here. It’s a decision in hindsight that I am very glad I made to come to Australia, but at the same time I am happy to come and wear the red-V again. There is so much to be excited about.”
Although Graham insists he’s very much a proud Pom, he concedes Sydney is now home and where his two children will grow up.
But he maintains he’s only thinking about trying to win a second grand final with St Helens, having tasted defeat in five successive deciders, and not about hanging up his boots to take up a media career in Australia.
“I am still having battles with myself I really am,” Graham said.
“I am going to go all in for the Saints this year and not worry about anything after that and not make promises I can’t keep. This has been my home for half of my adult life and both of my children are Australian, as hard as it is for me to say that! I have been looking at some employment opportunities post-rugby and there are a few opportunities that are starting to come to fruition. To all intents and purposes, this will be my last year as professional rugby league player and have to just get home and give it everything I have got for the club.”
Continue reading...
Feed courtesy of Sportsnews.com.au
--------------------------
James Graham may have departed the NRL but the former St George Illawarra and Canterbury star admits his post-career future lies in Australia.
Graham secured an early release from his Dragons contract last month to return to England and finish a stellar 17-year career with boyhood club St Helens.
The Liverpool-born front-rower, who won the Dally M prop of the year award in 2014, played his last game for the Dragons on June 18 in the win over Gold Coast to take up a short-term contract with the Super League champions following Luke Thompson’s early departure to Canterbury.
He’ll head back to northwest England from Sydney next week ahead of the August 1 season restart.
“I’ve got mixed emotions, and I’m leaving St George with a heavy heart,” Graham told Saints TV.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Australia. I’ve made friends for life and spent half my adult life over here. It’s a decision in hindsight that I am very glad I made to come to Australia, but at the same time I am happy to come and wear the red-V again. There is so much to be excited about.”
Although Graham insists he’s very much a proud Pom, he concedes Sydney is now home and where his two children will grow up.
But he maintains he’s only thinking about trying to win a second grand final with St Helens, having tasted defeat in five successive deciders, and not about hanging up his boots to take up a media career in Australia.
“I am still having battles with myself I really am,” Graham said.
“I am going to go all in for the Saints this year and not worry about anything after that and not make promises I can’t keep. This has been my home for half of my adult life and both of my children are Australian, as hard as it is for me to say that! I have been looking at some employment opportunities post-rugby and there are a few opportunities that are starting to come to fruition. To all intents and purposes, this will be my last year as professional rugby league player and have to just get home and give it everything I have got for the club.”
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