James Graham appointed new England captain
Another day and another key England player is ruled out of the Four Nations.
Skipper Adrian Morley is the latest player to be ruled out of the series and it seems as though if Steve McNamara’s side are going to be successful, then they will have to do it the hard way - led by newly appointed captain James Graham (pictured right).
Morley captained England in their 18-18 draw with the NZ Maori on Saturday but sustained an arm injury mid-way through the second period, which has been diagnosed as a ruptured bicep muscle. The Warrington prop had only been appointed captain after regular skipper Jamie Peacock was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
Morley’s replacement in the squad is Stuart Fielden, who was part of punditry team on Sky Sports for the draw against the Maori and must have been thinking a return to the side was possible as Morley left the field. The Wigan forward has been a model of consistency this season and his place in the squad was justified following a four-year exile from international rugby. He probably would have started the match in Auckland on Saturday if it wasn’t for his late arrival to the squad because of the birth of his child.
Inexperienced St Helens player Graham has been handed the armband for the remainder of the tour, and many are scratching their heads at the decision.
Graham led the England Academy team to a historic victory in Australia six years ago, but has struggled to become a regular at senior level, winning only three caps for England and two for Great Britain.
“When [England coach] Steve McNamara offered me the captaincy I had no hesitation in saying yes," Graham told the BBC.
"It's a great honour and I am deeply proud that I have this chance. It came as a surprise but hopefully I can reward his judgement with some good performances on the field.
"It hasn't really sunk in yet, perhaps it's one of the honours that only sink in once you've retired.
"I don't think it's going to change me as a player. Certainly, at the moment my focus isn't on being England captain, it's on winning a rugby league game against New Zealand on Saturday."
A patched-up England play the Kiwis in their opening match of the Four Nations in Wellington on Saturday.
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