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While their record without James Graham is unenviable, Canterbury say their NRL season will not fall in a heap without their skipper.
Graham is expected to miss the next month after suffering a hamstring strain in his side’s 29-16 win against St George Illawarra on Monday night.
As well as being yet another setback for the Englishman in a frustrating year marred by injury and suspension, it is ill-timed for the Bulldogs after they got their season back on track against the Dragons at ANZ Stadium.
Graham is seen as the linchpin of the Bulldogs side and statistics tell a tale.
This year the Dogs are 4-3 with Graham in their side and 2-3 without him.
According to Fox Sports Stats, since 2012 the Dogs have a 63.3 per cent winning record with him in their line up but have been victorious in just 38.5 per cent of their clashes without him.
When he was suspended for four games after the infamous Good Friday clash with South Sydney, Des Hasler’s side went into a mini slump, losing three of their four games without him – with their only win in that period coming against last-placed Manly.
Upon his return in round 10 against the Sydney Roosters, he was knocked out after colliding with Aidan Guerra’s hip in the 27th minute and missed the next game against Canberra due to a knee problem.
He then lasted just 17 minutes in his return against the Dragons on Monday.
While statistically they are poorer when he is in the line up, back-rower Greg Eastwood said they were capable of covering his loss.
“His work rate is phenomenal and he’s always there making tackles, last-man tackles,” Eastwood said.
“We’ve got to work hard and not worry about what James brings to the team. The boys that come in bring their own special things.”
Graham’s loss is also a big loss for the Bulldogs’ attack.
Since he entered the NRL in 2012, with him in the line up, the Bulldogs have scored an average of 21.6 points and conceded 17.2.
However without him that figure is flipped on its head with the side scoring an average of 16.8 points and letting in 23.2 points.
As well as boasting a high work rate, Graham also plays as an extra ballplayer, often taking the ball to the line, adding an extra dynamic to their attack.
Eastwood said instead of altering their game plan, more responsibility would fall on Sam Kasiano, Graham’s replacement against Gold Coast on Sunday.
“Sam Kasiano comes in and he does the same role,” Eastwood said.
“We’ll just stick to our game plan and work off that.”
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