"Contracted players are going to have to move on": Bulldogs skipper James Graham

Maybe mate. He's definitely knocked himself around. The neck and shoulder injuries can be difficult to rush back from and often need a rest to get right, which players don't give them because they can play as long as they can take the pain. And Graham can definitely do that. He hasn't missed too many games with injury over the years. The 'battered body' theory didn't get oxygen until he got this injury, which tends to be the way it goes for players over 30. I wouldn't be surprised if he had a good season or two in him.

I'm not a Doggies supporter, but from what I've seen, I would keep Graham and Reynolds - you just can't buy passion, energy and commitment.

Baz , he is 32 with a battered body ! A big heart can only take you so far in this game in the middle third. I would only consider him on half that money and for spiritual value mostly for a young developing pack ! Maybe Newcastle ?

You dont make yourself ineligible,the club does it for you...Wayne Bennett has already told Milford..in Grahams case his injuries were resulting in paralysis in his arms..not good for potential buyers..

TBH - I'd rather he played semi final footy than get a token FG cap at this stage. I'll be watching the semi on Saturday and enjoying having some semi final action to cheer! But gee I hope Martin gets a chance in 2018. I read an article during the week where Georgallis was quoted as saying he had no idea why Martin, Griffen and Cleeland in particular were overlooked for first grade. It didn't say much for the communication or relationship between he and Hasler.

Why would he sit out of the World Cup? He bleeds for England, he would be one of the last ones to make himself ineligible.

Martin has been great ever since he started with the Blackhawks. I believe he has selected as 19th man for the Dragons game, if not he will line up against Wyong in the semifinal on Saturday. He is more than deserving of a first grade cap. As you mention he has all the hallmarks of a great backrower - runs lines, makes big hits, tackling machine and he has the added bonus of goalkicking. No doubt he will be there for the Kumuls at the end of the year and hopefully a mainstay in the Bulldogs' NRL team in 2018.

+1 Graham is a cut above. At least he brings some passion and enthusiasm to whoever he is playing for. Woods runs (or walks) and then falls, stands around the ruck and takes all the credit.

I think Saints have done very well if they can snare him particularly if they can get him to sit out the World Cup..puts some smarts in the pack to balance out all that grunt.

I don't see why any contracted player should see it as inevitable that they have to go, unless they want to go. Graham and the Morris bros are still in the top echelon of their respective positions and have earned their contracts. Players might be a commodity to a club but if you buy it, you own it and the player has the right to choose if/where they go.

It's a money play. Clubs will still want to sign Graham but I can't see many bidding for Tolman and you wouldn't pay two bob for Eastwood.

I wouldn't read too much into the loss of form. He was good in the first half of the year but has battled a neck and shoulder injury in the second half of the season which has really impacted his effectiveness. I think injuries are his main concern. He's absolutely battered his body with no sense of self preservation and it may be that injuries are catching up. I'm devastated there's suggestions he's leaving the Dogs. I think you're right, picking him up with the Dogs paying a large chunk of the freight would be a good deal for any club.

I'm a fan of Graham particularly for England and would love to see his ball playing skills made more use of for England. I just don't get the dislike some have for him. These same people complain that the game is stale and too PC and all of that stuff and here you have a guy is clearly has a personality. He really is a good player. I think that Hasler, to some extent, has wasted his talents with the way he has had the team playing. I see glimpses of that waste of talent in the England squad and always hope that Bennett makes better use of him.

I'd be sorry to see Graham go. He's one of the best forwards to ever play for Canterbury. Surely Tolman and Eastwood need to go before him.

Maybe I'm crazy, but if the Dogs were going to pick up the majority of his contract next year, I wouldn't mind seeing him at the Broncos. His form has deserted him this season and maybe he's past it, but I can't help but think a change of scene and change of game-plan might just rejuvenate him for another season or two. Getting out of Sydney, working with Bennett (also the English coach) at a club that is starting to bring in a much more attacking game-plan where Graham might be encouraged to use some of his ball-playing skills again and you never know, you might see one last glimpse of the Graham who was so great in 2012. If he could find some more life in those old legs, then he could also add something the Broncos have been missing. Some genuine steel in the pack. I've thought for the past couple of years that we've been missing a big man of genuine quality. Not a backrower playing prop like Blair, Thaiday or McGuire, but an actual hardnosed prop forward from the old school. Whether or not Graham still has what it takes to be that player is another matter entirely, but I'd have confidence Bennett would be able to bring out something close to Graham's best for at least a season longer. Anyway, it'll never happen - but I certainly wouldn't be upset to see him in Brisbane next year if the Dogs need to get rid of him.

I'd take Graham over Wilfred Woods all day .

Yeah it's a bit rough. He's not super big but he's built like a brick outhouse and just goes hard the whole time he plays. I'd love to see him get a crack. I think he may be off contract this year. The Dogs are locks for the top 4 in NSW cup and there are heaps of guys killing it that as Riley says just aren't getting a go. Griffen, Martin and Cleeland have all made the NSW cup team of the year. I really believe Rhys Martin could be a star if he gets an opportunity. He's big, hits the line well, runs good lines, tackles and kicks goals from all over the park.

Rod Griffen is a War Horse Baz. Served Ipswich well in his time there was an absolute beast capable of playing like an impact front rower for 80 minutes (almost JT13-esque). Can't beleive he has come so close to contracts and FG at the Cowboys, Broncos, Tigers and now Bulldogs yet, at 30, has never got the chance to line up.

Agreed Riley. Add Rod Griffen to that list. The two I'd most like to see get a chance are Martin and Cleeland. Martin looks like he's got everything you'd want from a backrower and kicks goals from all over the park. And Cleeland - a creative half in the blue and white...woah up.

Come on Sleiman, you're not really asking Sandy BaJina to articulate one of his rants are you? In 15 minutes he won't even remember he wrote it. Graham has been arguably the best prop in the comp over the past six years. He's struggled with a couple of injuries this year but would be an absolute steal on a two year deal at 600K. He'd compliment guys like Vaughan and JDB perfectly.