James Graham: Farewell to one of the greatest
25 Nov 2020
James Graham is scheduled to make his 420th first team appearance on Friday night, bringing to an end an 18-year career which has him operate consistently on the biggest stages the sport has to offer.
He signs off as one of a handful of English players to have played in both Super League and NRL Grand Finals, in addition to winning three consecutive Challenge Cup Finals with Saints between 2006 and 2008, the year he was named Super League’s Man of Steel.
Only Adrian Morley has played more games for England and Great Britain than the likeable 35-year-old (53 caps), who joined St Helens full-time from school when he was 17.
Close to 500 appearances later, after making his senior debut against Castleford Tigers in 2003, and Graham is ready for the last hurrah.
He said: “I am very grateful for what the game has given me; the doors it has opened, the friendships I have made and the places it has taken me.
“I love this game - I really do - it’s been my passion since I picked up a ball and it’s pretty much all I know.
“Rugby League has been the axis upon which my world has spun since I was seven years old, so when I think about my future I can’t imagine the sport won’t be part of it.??
Coaching is a consideration, although ‘Jammer’, as he is known, admits he will have to start at the “bottom of the ladder?? despite his impressive playing resume.
The 35-year-old has appeared in a remarkable six Super League Grand Finals with Saints, and one of the main motivations for returning to finish the season at his boyhood club was to add to his solitary Grand Final victory in 2006.
“What is done is done and we have a big opportunity on Friday,?? he said.
“I am pretty relaxed about it [the past].
“I often get asked where this team ranks in comparison to Saints sides of the past and it’s the kind of question that isn’t really for players.
“Fans might debate it and think about teams of yesteryear and before my time.
“I remember being asked if the 2006 team was better than one of the Saints teams in the 1960s and I was like, ‘how am I supposed to know that?’
“There’s no point of reference for me.
“All I can say is that Saints is lucky to have the heritage it does, and the team we have now is top quality.
“We have got some unbelievable players and some young players who are going to go on to do wonderful things in the game.??
Lining up against Graham tonight will be Sean O’Loughlin, a player who has made a similar impact on fellow finalists and arch-rivals Wigan Warriors.
Graham added: “Sean has been a one-club man at his hometown club, which is definitely something he should be proud of because you don’t see that very often these days.
“He’s been highly successful, captaining his club and country, and on a personal level I have loved playing with him.
“He is a legend of the Wigan club and when I think about the times we shared playing alongside each other for England and Great Britain it brings a smile to my face.??
