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Wade Graham is the only addition to the NSW side for State of Origin 2. He’ll join fellow Sharks Paul Gallen, Andrew Fafita and his combination with James Maloney on the left edge should give NSW fans added hope going into the crucial game at Suncorp.
He joined teammates at the Blues Coffs Harbour base but will have to return to Sydney on Wednesday to face the NRL judiciary. His Origin debut is jeopardised after being handed a careless grade one high tackle charge for his hit on Queensland halfback Johnathan Thurston late in the Sharks’ 13-10 win over last year’s premiers.
“He didn’t miss me,” Thurston replied when first asked about the high shot. “I may have been slipping but you can’t make contact with the head can you?”
While Graham has a nervous wait until he faces the NRL judiciary it was surprisingly Cowboys coach Paul Green and Queensland legend Thurston who put cold water on the whole incident.
“There wasn’t much in it,” Green said. “It’s not really worth talking about. I don’t think he’ll miss an Origin for that…”
While Green was talking Thurston interjected, “Pretty soft if he does get charged for that”.
James Tamou is the other Blue in doubt. He was handed a grade one shoulder charge Tuesday morning following the game. Generally speaking the vibe from most footy heads went as follows: both incidents were without malice and the on-field penalty at the time should serve. It remains to be seen what the judiciary will hand out.
An early guilty plea from Graham would in normal circumstances see him not miss any game time but due to carry over points from previous indiscretions he has to face the judiciary and fight the charges if he is to play in Origin 2. On the bright side, selfish Sharks fans can take solace in knowing if he is found guilty he will miss no games for Cronulla.
Graham has a tough task ahead of him, facing either suspension or a debut in a clutch Origin match at Suncorp. It’s his captain Paul Gallen’s last Origin series. He replaces Boyd Cordner, who is out with a foot injury from Origin 1.
Cordner scored the Blues’ only try and was awarded players’ player. For the Maroons their only change from Origin 1 is Jacob Lillyman to replace the injured Nate Myles.
Graham was told at full-time he’d just made selection for the Blues. Coach Shane Flanagan was delighted for his player saying he deserved his spot.
“He could have played at least the last two or three years,” Flanagan said.
“He’s been through some pretty tough periods here at the club and it’s a fitting reward or someone who’s knuckled down and worked really hard. I’m so excited for him.”
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