James Graham has rubbished claims he is looking to stand down as Canterbury skipper, insisting he wants to lead the side in the 201 NRL season.
Off-season speculation had been rife that Graham wanted to relinquish the captaincy but the English prop said that was not the case.
The rumours prompted coach Des Hasler to have a chat with Graham about his future at Belmore after talk he was also looking to join Manly.
“I want to lead this team. I’m very proud to be the Bulldogs’ captain,” Graham told Fox Sports on Wednesday.
“I’m very proud to be the captain under Des Hasler and I want to be at the forefront of getting this team, this current crop of Canterbury, players into a winning culture.
“I’ve spoken with the coach. He felt like he wanted to address the rumours to make sure that I was OK.”
The 31-year-old, who is contracted at the Bulldogs until the end of the 2018 season, has no interest in joining the Sea Eagles and has had a bit of fun when asked about a move to Sydney’s northern beaches.
“Sport’s a funny game … you never know what can happen,” he said.
“But I’m happy at the club; I’ve got two years left at the club. I’m all in. People talk about ‘is he going to leave?’. ‘Do I want to be captain?’
“For this year and next, I am all in. I’m willing to do anything I can, whatever it takes here – that’s how I’m approaching it.
“I’m going to Manly in round four. I’ll be there,” he said.
“I’ll be there at Manly, round four, 100 per cent. Barring injury or suspension I’ll be going to Manly.”
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Oh look it's BigJackoff.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
A ball hasn't been kicked in 2017 mate & yes our playing style needed an overhaul & Dessie is smart enough to realize this.We have a few very promising young fellas like Abbey who will hopefully get a run & could become anything.The mighty Doggies,unlike some other clubs always have a plan so write them off at your own peril BigJ.
BigJ
Roar Guru
2014 runner up 2015 fifth 2016 seventh Loss Mortimer and kept Hasler, and overall on field performance in a decline. Evidence enough, they are not bottom dwellers, but they are at a decline
The Barry
Roar Guru
Why do you think the wheels are falling off BigJ? What evidence are you basing that on?
BigJ
Roar Guru
Hey mate, but you have to admit the club has been in better postioins and it seems that the wheels are starting to come off.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
We'll see BigJ,we'll see....
BigJ
Roar Guru
yeah maybe he should stop abusing referees and biting people's ear off and play footy he would be better off. But he is a Bulldog so no point. Im just going to enjoy the club crumble even more this year.
Alex L
Roar Rookie
Well, the Bulldogs can look forward to another year of being decent but disorganised then. Really think the captaincy isn't working on Graham -- it weighs on his creative side (his ball playing was well down in 2016) and he struggles with the referees.
kk
Roar Pro
There is more chance of James Graham being appointed Head of NRL Refereeing than there is of him leaving Belmore.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Yeah both good signings mate,interested to see how Lane goes.When he first kicked off with us he looked like a world beater-maybe last year was the kick in the guts he needed to apply himself.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Understandable JB. Pretty happy to snare Perrett - looks the goods and Baz will get Lane back up to speed too.
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Hands off Jase!!!!
The Barry
Roar Guru
Report today that dogs are chasing all three. I take it with a massive grain of salt.
Jason Hosken
Roar Guru
Good honest lad, timely given Lussick out until round-5...I'm a believer.
Birdy
Guest
?
Birdy
Guest
All my dreams up in smoke.
bearfax
Guest
I thought they were off to the Roosters?
JOHNY BULLDOG
Roar Rookie
Great to hear that from the horses mouth.
The Barry
Roar Guru
Maybe he can go to the Tigers after Dogs sign Tedesco, Moses and Woods?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Good stuff. Apparently it was a long interview. Graham was really chewing the journos ear off. ??