Graham to hang up the boots at season’s end

[Don Tweddle]

​

Just a week after celebrating his 250th game for the Cronulla club, Wade Graham has announced his retirement to a room full of current and former teammates, family and friends, with the 2023 season to be his last.

On a night which had been arranged to recognise the 250-game milestone, Graham spoke emotionally about his decision to hang up the boots after a journey which has included premiership success and representative honours.

He will step away from the game once the Sharks current season comes to an end.

Graham delivered the news to the 2023 Sharks NRL playing group, as well as family and close friends including former teammates Paul Gallen, Luke Lewis, Adrew Fifita, Todd Carney, Boyd Cordner from his time in NSW and Kangaroo squads, and Sharks Premiership winning coach Shane Flanagan.

In making the move from Penrith to the Shire, Graham debuted for the Sharks in round one of the 2011 season, before going on to become an integral member of a Cronulla team which won the 2016 NRL Premiership.

While sharing the duties during Gallen’s final years at the Sharks, upon his retirement Graham officially took over the Cronulla captaincy in 2020.

During those 13 seasons in the top grade at the Sharks and prior that at the Panthers, Graham earnt the respect of his peers, teammates and many in the game.

In addition to 250 games for the Sharks and 42 for the Panthers, Graham also played eight matches for Australia and made six State of Origin appearance for NSW.

In becoming just the third player in club history to play 250th top grade games, Graham joined Gallen and Andrew Ettingshausen in a select group, in confirming his legacy as one of the very best and most consistent performers to ever wear the black, white and blue.

Graham has been named to captain the Sharks in their game against the Titans on Friday night, while expressing to the room his determination to finish his career on a positive note.

 

[Don Tweddle]

Well done Wadeo. Our last link to 2016 and a massive part of Sharks folklore.

 

[Chimp]

Had a 2 to 3 year period where he was absolute dynamite - a nightmare for opposition halfbacks in both defence and attack.
Happy to see him make his way back from his injury and HIA issues, and glad he’s now going to hang them up.
An integral part of our transition from the dark days to Premiers. Gets legend status for me.

 

[bluefox68]

Yep - we can’t criticise him any more - nothing but respect for this great warrior!

 

[Ozzi_78]

Well that’s a relief and not in a negative way. But what I didn’t want was for him to really stay too long and be remembered next year as that guy that won’t leave! 12 years is huge at one club. Congrats Wade.

 

[glenmoresharkie]

An absolute pleasure to have him in our team for so long, and no doubt an out and out club legend

He’s the last one standing from that amazing night in October 2016. Unplayable on his day, and will leave a huge hole just based on experience alone

thank you Wade

 

[Mr Angry]

Onya Wade, did it all.

I wish you luck in whatever you do next.

Personally I would love to see a one time show with Wade appearing out of no where and scaring the crap out of Cooper.

Cooper having brunch, shopping, heading to work..

 

[bluefox68]

‘Do it for Wade’ is our team’s motto for the next 5-6 weeks!

 

[Quigs]

Enjoy your last Sharkie Games Wado and do it injury free.

Thanks for the fond memories and your efforts in the black white and blue.

 

[soc123_au]

Such a shame he copped the suspension earlier this year. It would have been nice to see him hit the 300.

 

[Special K]

He belted Cronk out of the 2016 gf. Without Wade we don't win it.

I love him and will miss him. The last few years have been tough to watch so I am glad he is calling it a day and not pushing it.

 

[Thick Skinned Shark]

His past couple of games he really set an example to the team, and hopefully his final games for the Sharks will have us remember him as the hero that he is!

 

[Peach & Apricot]

Great servant of the club. That period 2015-2018 he was unstoppable.

 

[JJ]

Not a Sharks fan as such here, but Graham has always been amongst my favourite players - what a career, and what a back row you had with him, Lewis, and Gallen.

That Grand Final win, along with Penrith's in 91 (and the Warriors making a couple, maybe we'll have that moment someday) are among my favourite memories because of what they meant to clubs and communities - anyway, great player, will be missed

 

[shadowboxer]

Not a Sharks fan as such here, but Graham has always been amongst my favourite players - what a career, and what a back row you had with him, Lewis, and Gallen.

That Grand Final win, along with Penrith's in 91 (and the Warriors making a couple, maybe we'll have that moment someday) are among my favourite memories because of what they meant to clubs and communities - anyway, great player, will be missed

What a a great heartfelt post. Here’s hoping you get some magic this year. Warriors looking good
Not great memories of getting pipped in the preliminary back in the Anderson era by the Warriors - getting soaked in beer from the upper level of Homebush from the NZ fans (who got in for kicks from the buy up of the owner, but miffed they got done the weekend after in the GF vs Rooters. Good luck
On Wade,
I’ll be honest, I was relieved when he called time. But he has definitely provided some memorable moments. The game he came back from a long term injury a few years back, played I think 1 game, bashed and blitzed it, he was a straight up Origin call up.
Well done WG

 

[Craigshark]

He doesn’t do his acl in 2018, we go close to winning it. Cronulla legend

 

[bad boy bubby]

Quite an emotional speech by Wado. Well done ole son.

Watch as Wade Graham announces his retirement

Before an intimate gathering of family, close friends and past and present teammates, Wade Graham announced that the 2023 NRL season would be his last. In an emotional farewell speech, Graham acknowledged those who contributed to his 16-year NRL career, highlighted the lifelong friendships made...

www.sharks.com.au

 

[Chins get the wins]

A brilliant career for the wrong club. Matt Elliott is such a dumb merkin.

 

[shaggs]

He looked much lighter on his feet last game. Maybe the decision was clear in his head and he played without pressure

 

[Wizardman]

I think you guys look at Graham with tinted eyes (understandably). Fantastic bloke, a great team man who has obvious passion for his club and was once a fantastic back rower. I DO think he has gone two seasons too long though.

All the best for the rest of the season and beyond for him.