From The Sporting News,
Rabbitohs star Campbell Graham has become an undeniable selection for NSW Blues
Campbell Graham has become an undeniable selection for the NSW Blues this year - and he's got the full backing of some important figures in the game.
The 23-year-old has been in red-hot form this year for the Rabbitohs, scoring 11 tries in 11 games and becoming one of the side's key attacking threats.
Previously known more for his defensive work, Graham has become an imposing figure on the right-edge and along with his growing try-scoring tally, has made 13 linebreaks and averages just shy of 150 run metres per game.
The local junior represented Australia in their successful World Cup campaign last year, capping off a strong year in club land for South Sydney, and is now destined for a spot in the State of Origin arena.
Speaking to
The Sporting News prior to the 2023 season, Graham was as humble as ever in regards to his NSW ambitions, claiming his only goal was to produce results for the Bunnies.
"Origin is a goal of mine and I assume it’s a goal of nearly every person who is eligible to play," he said.
“It was very humbling to be able to play for my country… it was an opportunity that I was just stoked to receive. The whole experience in the World Cup was very positive.
"On the field, at training and observing how the best players in the world prepare and how they go about their business. It was a great learning curve for me and also getting to enjoy the whole off-field experience as well was one of the highlights of my life.
"I understand that if my opportunity is going to come, it’s going to come because I’m playing good footy at South Sydney.
"My biggest goal is to help us play good footy here at Souths first and foremost, and if representative opportunities continue to come, they come.
"If they don't, I’m more than happy to keep digging in here at Souths and putting my best foot forward for the club."
Graham is closing in on a debut for NSW, with growing concerns over
Tom Trbojevic's fitness likely opening the door for a spot in the centres, while the likes of Stephen Crichton, Josh Addo-Carr and Joseph Suaalii are also in the mix for spots in the outside backs.
And given the potential for a deadly duo of Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow and Valentine Holmes out wide for Queensland this year, Graham's size and presence on both sides of the ball could be integral for the series favourites.
Latrell Mitchell urges NSW to select Rabbitohs teammate
One of the key players for the Blues this year is
Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell, who will be back on deck after missing last year's Origin series due to injury.
While he is expected to line up in the centres, the 25-year-old has formed a strong bond on and off the field with the man dubbed 'Stretch' but his teammates.
In an interview with
The Sydney Morning Herald, Latrell hyped up his Souths partner in crime and believes he has what it takes to excel in the tough Origin arena.
“Campbell Graham gives me the motivation to want to be a better player," he told the publication.
"That’s someone you want to play with. He has every attribute you need to be an Origin player, and then some.
"The way he performs and conducts himself as a player and person, it’s a credit to himself.
"He deserves that right [centre] spot. I couldn’t fault his performances."
QLD Maroons star backs Campbell Graham for Origin success
While many from north of the border will be hoping Graham is overlooked for NSW selection, one man who is backing him to succeed is Souths teammate and Maroons star
Jai Arrow.
Speaking on
The Sporting News/YKTR exclusive podcast EBBS AND FLOWS, the 11-time Origin representative claimed the Blues couldn't possibly overlook the Coogee Wombats junior.
"He has been knocking on that door for a few years now... I reckon he is at the stage now where he is about to knock the f*****g thing down," Arrow said.
"They can’t say no to him – I feel as though they can’t. I reckon he is the best defensive centre in the comp at the moment."
Liam Knight was also full of praise for Graham, pointing out the Bunnies' improved right-side attack and the centre's high work rate.
“We’re a left-side dominant team, but I think we’ve scored more tries on the right this year and Stretch has scored 11 himself," the front-rower said.
"He’s a freak – he has always been one of those guys at every training session that’s ripping in, carving up and giving it everything.
"He’s a bit older, bit bigger, got a bit more confidence – I think last year he was unlucky not to get an Origin spot.
"He’s got a big frame and you know those 10-metre carries that no one wants, he is sitting there frothing like a dog."
Jason Demetriou hoping to see Rabbitoh star earn Origin debut
You could forgive
Jason Demetriou for wanting to see Graham miss out on selection and be available through a tricky period for the club, given the likes of Mitchell, Damien Cook and Cameron Murray will all be absent.
But like all good coaches in the NRL, the second-year Rabbitohs boss wants his players to strive for higher honours.
“I’d love that – I think he is doing everything he can to earn that," Demetriou told
100% Footy.
"He’s got 80 minutes this weekend and then it’s in the selectors’ hands. If it’s not this year, it will be at some point – he is made for Origin.
"He is a big aggressive centre and I think what we are seeing this year is him showcasing his attacking abilities too, which has been really good for us."
