James Graham’s days in the NRL appear to be numbered with the English forward requesting an immediate release from St George Illawarra.
The Dragons confirmed on Thursday they were considering granting Graham a release to return to the English Super League.
“The Dragons will consider this option for Graham on the merit a replacement player is secured by the club prior to his release,” the club said in a statement.
It’s understood Graham only approached Dragons management on Wednesday afternoon and if he did return home it would be to his original club St Helens.
The ball-playing prop played 224 games for the English club before leaving for the NRL and Canterbury at the end of 2011.
In total, he has played more than 400 top-flight games on both sides of the world.
After signing with the Dragons on a three-year deal at the end of 2017, Graham’s minutes have dropped in the final season of his contract to just 36 a game.
Given the Dragons want to secure a replacement before his departure, it is likely he will still face the Gold Coast on Saturday afternoon.
There are limited options on the market for St George Illawarra but they will benefit from the fact players outside rival clubs’ 17s are not enjoying any game time.
Matt Eisenhuth was linked to Cronulla last month after not playing first grade at the Wests Tigers this year.
Daniel Alvaro is another big-name middle yet to see any NRL action this year, but he remains contracted at Parramatta until the end of next year.
Andrew
Roar Pro
I just heard that the club has granted his release, can anyone confirm?
Paul
Roar Guru
not sure about Korbin, Andrew. Not listed as injured.
Andrew
Roar Pro
Who can blame him? Why risk serious injury for a club going nowhere fast. Let him go & give the game time to Lawrie, Host & K Sims The season looks to be a right off anyway. BTW what’s happened to K Sims???
Simoc
Guest
Good move. He's at the end of a great career but is not a great fit at the club now. English league is the right place to finish up for him.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Were they wrong though?? He is on the current dismal board...
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
Touche!
danwain
Roar Rookie
Well considering Doust has rejoined the St George board after Johnston resigned maybe there was something to it?
Nat
Roar Guru
Flynn's sins cause chargrin at WIN!
Jeff Cook
Roar Rookie
As mentioned Graham has given good value to the clubs played at , 400 odd .And as Dragons supporter thank you . Now the Dragons move on . At a guess he's on 350 plus . Keep that money in the bank,we look paying McGregor soon . The Dragons have plenty of depth within the top 30 squad Jackson Ford , Blake Lawrie to name a couple. As the shape of the game changes these style of players are what's required at lock. JGs decision could be a blessing in disguise !
jimmmy
Roar Rookie
' Bin Flynn ', I say!!!
Duncan Smith
Roar Guru
James Graham is one of the best forwards Canterbury ever had. It's a bit sad to see him in decline, and playing at a struggling club. If he wants to pick up a pension in the super league, fair enough, as long as he can go to a strong club.
Superspud
Roar Rookie
Yeah but it was a nice slogan. Would’ve been much harder had his name been Flynn for example.
Stormy
Roar Rookie
As I said, while watching their last game, he looks slow & cumbersome now. Has been great, over the years, though never a favourite of mine. I wonder if he is aware that he is pushing uphill for little reward, at the Dragons, & has decided to cut his losses. Who are they after as a replacement?
TJ
Guest
Whilst James Graham undoubtedly is a great mentor to the young forwards at the Dragons off the field, he just isn't first grade standard on the field anymore. He's been an absolute warrior and one of my favorite players to watch over the years but I think Blocker was pretty spot on when he said he's lost his legs.
Nat
Roar Guru
Might be for the best for both clubs. A very good and passionate servant of the game but a step behind the new bulls in the paddock. All the very best to him which ever way he chooses.
Nat
Roar Guru
That I would tune in to watch. :laughing:
The Emperor
Guest
Remember the good old days when the Kogarah Hillbillies would hold up their "Oust Doust" sign because he was to blame for all of their problems. All that anger and energy and they were wrong to boot. Ahhhh, I miss those days.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
No worries :). I am a local junior so I should get some Cap dispensation.
Paul
Roar Guru
yep, Scotty Pride, me and DP have already been tapped to get back training. :stoked:
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Not only will they have to pay overs to attract anyone, they’ll need special clauses to keep them. Him going is just the worst assessment of the club. He might be on in years, but his heart has been there and when he, Tyson and the young guns see no light in the tunnel the club is in the ICU.