Wade Graham was one of the many high profile players looking for a new deal going into 2023.
It was uncertain whether Cronulla Sharks would keep the 32-year-old veteran so naturally he was linked to a move to Super League.
However, in the end, he signed a one-year deal at the Sharks having captained the side in 2022.
“I’m really proud and grateful to have the opportunity to play on for another year here at the Sharks ,” Graham said in a statement at the time.
“I’m looking forward to getting back, ripping in to another pre-season and helping the squad to improve on the progress we’ve made as a club last year.”
That said, speaking on James Graham’s podcast The Bye Round, Wade Graham revealed that he had interest from Super League clubs including Catalans Dragons and UK teams.
He said: “I have already had a few conversations with UK teams.
“Catalans’ Alex Chan, the Catalans Dragons’ General Manager, reached out and he’s a footy manager over there and used to play over here, so I’ve already spoken to those teams. There were a couple of English Super League teams once they heard Catalans were interested too.
“They contacted me to say if I wasn’t actually thinking about going over to the UK that before I decide anything, they would like to have the opportunity for me to hear them out.”
In fact, he turned down a deal from the Dragons though said he was keen on the move.
“I had a pretty simple conversation with Catalans,” he said.
“They were the only Super League to actually offer me a deal and I spoke to Alex. He was great.
“I said to them, listen mate, I’m not here to play games, I’m legitimately keen to come at some stage because of my family situation. You don’t even need to try and persuade me. I have told you I’m interested. So, put your deal down what you can actually think you can manage and we’ll go from there.”
Following this admission, Zero Tackle have reported that as his game time is expected to dry up in 2023 with younger players getting the edge at Cronulla, a move to Super League is very likely at least for 2024 but who knows perhaps he could be tempted earlier especially with Catalans needing a prop.
