James Graham.

[SBD82]

And you will never win a comp. LOL

Probably not.

But if I was as good as Leeson I'd have a much better chance.

 

[dragonssamy61]

"Verbally agrees"

So nothing in writing?

Dont worry done deal

 

[redV06]

Dogs have their end of season presentation tomorrow night. I'd say Graham's and Des's exits will be both announced days following.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

Leeson Ah Mau DOB. 20-12-2089, reasonably young but too much of a plodder for me & he is only going to get slower, prefer to add Kerr or give Leilua some encouragement with some 1st grade time & you might just see him put in more effort on the training paddock so he can go to the next level we all wanted to see.
Shit just forgot, McNOIDEA doesn't like to think outside the box.

Instead of being a "plodder", I'd argue that he is actually a consistent, "Jon Green" standard of player which every club needs.

And remember, without Green, Saints wouldn't have been victorious in 2010.

If you cannot value his worth, I'll respectfully suggest that you're not watching games closely enough.

 

[Saint_JimmyG]

I doubt that is the case. Brown wanted Graham at Newcastle and they were prepared to offer him a very attractive deal. Brown said that someone like Graham would have been perfect for the development of Newcastle's young forwards.

Graham probably could have earned more if he went to Newcastle, but he chose us, as he thought we could possibly win a comp in the next couple of years. I also have read that he resides in the Sutherland Shire, so he does not have to move his family to a new location.

I'd say your last bit apropos location is the most salient point. It's questionable whether Graham would uproot his young family in order to play for Newcastle when Saints aren't too far away.

 

[JDHD]

Ben Ikin said in the Market Watch podcast that James Graham chose the Dragons because he thought he could win a premiership here. I love his enthusiasm, but I have to question his rational thinking ability.

 

[Life's Good]

Ben Ikin said in the Market Watch podcast that James Graham chose the Dragons because he thought he could win a premiership here. I love his enthusiasm, but I have to question his rational thinking ability.

There are 2 ways of looking at it:
1. During negotiations, Millward told him/his manager that we will have a new coach within his contract period - Graham signs on
2. Graham signed on for the cash, not having to move & the premiership thing is just spin

Point 1 is indulgent, wishful thinking on my part with Point 2 probably closer to reality

 

[SBD82]

Ben Ikin said in the Market Watch podcast that James Graham chose the Dragons because he thought he could win a premiership here. I love his enthusiasm, but I have to question his rational thinking ability.

He's a proper old school prop.

Lot to love about these sorts of blokes, but rational thinking is rarely attributed to them.

This guy has made a career of running full steam at guys like JDB and Friz. If that's not irrational I don't know what is.

But god bless those boys.

 

[epDragon62]

He will be good if fit to play, we need a man of his resolve and toughness.

 

[nrlnrl]

James Graham officially signs with Dragons until end of 2020

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/09/07/james_graham_signing.af_news.html

 

[Dragonforlife]

James Graham officially signs with Dragons until end of 2020

http://www.dragons.com.au/news/2017/09/07/james_graham_signing.af_news.html

Well done Ian Millward

 

[SaintElroy]

I'm pumped about this , Graham for packer is an upgrade, not sure his body will last the 3 years but his leadership, passion and experience will be invaluable to our young blokes coming through.

 

[Smurf]

Just heard he has signed with us. Source: Dogs official.

Well done !!!

Great scoop .

 

[Life's Good]

A good signing. Definitely a step in the right direction regarding leadership. As for playing big minutes, IF the bench is used effectively(unlike this year)then we will get good value out of him supported by the likes of Sims, Sele, Lawrie, Host & Kerr.

 

[FlameThrower]

Having Graham is a big plus and definitely will have point to prove next year. Quality signing and natural leader on and off the field. I only wish we can sort out the outside backs as that's are weak link in defence and attack.

 

[Alec's-saints]

if we don't make the 8 next year with the addition of hunt and graham we should fold.

 

[MilanDragon]

Surely this counts as alike for like or better replacement??

Millward has done very well with this signing, he mentioned couple months back that we would be patient - here we go

 

[SBD82]

if we won't make the 8 next year with the addition of hunt and graham we should fold.

...up Mary's contract, turn it sidewise and stick it straight up doust's arse.

 

[blacksafake]

A good signing. Definitely a step in the right direction regarding leadership. As for playing big minutes, IF the bench is used effectively(unlike this year)then we will get good value out of him supported by the likes of Sims, Sele, Lawrie, Host & Kerr.

Exactly. If used correctly(wishful thinking) you could, depending on the opposition use him off the bench or rest him so as to prolong his season.Against the better packs he could be used as a starting prop to set the the standard or against the weaker packs off the bench after the heat goes out of the game or rest him.

 

[JDHD]

Everyone remembers Watmough and Glenn Stewart and all the other hard nuts in that Manly pack that made four grand finals and won two. Everyone forgets that Ben Kennedy made those players into the players they became. If Graham can do that for our young dudes, that's a golden signing.