SunSport looks at how British players fared in the opening weekend of the NRL
Up to 10 England-qualified players could step out Down Under, but one may have a return to Super League on his mind
JAMES Graham admits he would love to play for St Helens again before he hangs up his boots.
The England prop is once again pulling on a red V this year after signing for NRL side St George-Illawarra Dragons from Canterbury Bulldogs, a stint which started with a 34-12 win over national boss Wayne Bennett’s Brisbane Broncos
But he has told anyone writing off the prospect of him doing so on this side of the world after he signed a three-year deal to think again.
The 32-year-old told the Whippets and Flat Caps podcast: “I’ve signed for the next three years, but hopefully after that it’s not the end. At the moment, I’d want to keep playing, I’m not putting a ceiling on it or saying I’m definitely retiring then.
“But there are so many different factors about where you want to be - if you want to keep playing, potential jobs that are available. However, part of me would love to play for St Helens again one day but I guess we’ll just see.”
Graham was not the only Englishman smiling as Gareth Widdop kicked seven goals, which would have pleased grandmother Irene, who he admitted gets up early in Halifax, West Yorkshire to watch every game.
However, it was not all grins as the three Burgess brothers – Sam, Thomas and George – were beaten as South Sydney lost to New Zealand Warriors 32-20 in Perth.
“We had a few good areas but there were far too many things we need to work on,” said George, who still sounds like he lives near Bradford rather than Bondi.
Elliott Whitehead scored as Canberra opened up an 18-point lead over Gold Coast Titans while Josh Hodgson is out injured but watching Joe Greenwood came out smiling as the Titans won 30-28.
England international Chris Heighington had a winning debut at Newcastle Knights as they edged out Manly 19-18 in golden point extra-time.
While another ‘Plastic Pom’, Chris McQueen, returned from the serious neck problem that ruled him out of last year’s World Cup.
McQueen, who qualifies for England through his father, said: “I got tested, a few times I landed on my neck, but other than that I’ve come out of it with no problem, so I’ll take a lot of confidence out of that.”
