Paul Wellen wants James Graham to take up Leeds’ captaincy in Grand Final – Rugby League
Paul Wellens is waiting to find out who will lead St. Helens in the Grand Final showdown against Leeds Rhinos in the Engage Super League, which is lined up for this coming Saturday, October 8, at Old Trafford and acknowledged that James Graham is the best
fit for this role.
Graham will be making his farewell appearance in Super League at the Grand Final, because the outgoing player is going to play in Australia from 2012, with Canterbury Bulldogs.
Saints’ previous Saturday’s 26-18 win over the much stronger Wigan Warriors was won under Wellens and was co-captained by Graham.
While speaking to the reporters at the Grand Final media day, Graham said, “I'm not sure, (coach) Royce (Simmons) hasn't made that decision as yet. He looks at the team every week and makes a decision early. We don't alternate. There have been times when
I've done two or three weeks on the spin and 'Jammer' (Graham) has done a couple on the spin. It's not something that James or I worry too much about.”
While admitting Graham’s brilliant on-field performance, Wellen added that he enjoyed playing with him a great deal. He also said that Graham is not only great as a player but he also appreciated him as a person.
Wellen, who will take over the captaincy from next year onwards for Saints, agreed that Graham is one of the quality players whose calibre is unparallel in the world of rugby, especially as a front rower. Referring to the co-captain’s on-field action against
Wigan last Saturday, Wellen said that Graham’s performance had a lot to offer, which definitely added a great deal to the prized victory of the semi-final clash. It was further added by Saints’ future skipper that if Graham successfully emulates his semi-final’s
performance, it may help the team with a Grand Final win.
Saints unanimously proposed Graham to lead their pack for the final showdown, as Wellen wants to end a five-year losing streak. Interestingly, three of the total finals playes by St. Helens have been lost against the same opponents.
While comparing last year’s scenario, when Saints’ former captain, Keiron Cunningham was retiring, the team had to face defeat because their performance was hampered by the emotional toll.
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