James Graham the force behind Bulldogs’ chargeTHE AUSTRALIAN SEPTEMBER 23, 2014 12:00AM
Brent ReadSenior Sports Writer
Sydney
Canterbury’s James Graham has been the glue in what had been a battling Bulldogs side.
EVERYONE saw the hard edge to Canterbury prop James Graham as he berated his teammates during his side’s thrilling win over Manly last Saturday night. Allow former Bulldogs captain Steve Mortimer to shed some light on the softer side of the England international.
“(Former Canterbury fullback) Greg Brentnall told me about this young girl who had cancer in St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney,” Mortimer said.
“I said to James, ‘Could you give me some time’. He said no worries. I took him in there. He met the young girl and did everything I asked of him.
“He is just a champion, not only on the field but off it as well. He was as happy as anything to come along with me and cheer up the girl.
“I can’t rap him enough. He is not just a footballer, he is a leader. Off the football field he is a totally different human being — he is nice and kind and soft.
“On the football field, he ain’t that. I am proud of him. I really rate him up there with the best. He is a class act. I think the world of him.”
Graham has been a model of consistency in a Bulldogs side that has blown hot-and-cold during the latter stages of the season.
Of all the Canterbury players, the Englishman has managed to maintain his lofty standards as all around him have slipped.
Once again, he shapes as a pivotal figure as the Bulldogs attempt to force their way into the grand final with a win over Penrith at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.
Next season, his importance to the team could result in him being handed higher honours.
As the Bulldogs prepare for the departure of captain Michael Ennis at the end of the season, Graham — a former England captain — could barely have done more to push his claims to wear the armband.
He heads a list of candidates that also includes current co-captain Frank Pritchard and Josh Jackson.
“It would not surprise me,” Mortimer said.
“He is definitely captaincy material. He would be most worthy.
“He is the best I have seen at gaining yards. It drives the likes of Aiden Tolman, David Klemmer, Josh Jackson.
“He definitely is a leader. His toughness reminds me of when I was a kid and I first came down to Canterbury (and I played against) guys like John O’Neill, Terry Randall and Arthur Beetson.
“He is one of them.”