St Helens confirm Graham deal

St Helens have confirmed they have reached an agreement which will see England and Great Britain international James Graham return to the club for the remainder of this season.

There had been much speculation surrounding the move, especially following the release of star forward Luke Thompson, who was allowed to leave to take up an early offer from Canterbury Bulldogs.

Graham himself then announced he would be returning home after St George’s win over Gold Coast last week, telling NRL 360: “It wasn’t an easy decision but this gives me the opportunity to go home and finish my career where it all started.”

Saints have now also confirmed the move, releasing the following statement on their official club website.

“Given the recent media speculation and interviews conducted in Australia, St Helens R.F.C. can confirm it has reached an agreement with James Graham to return to his boyhood club for the remainder of the 2020 Betfred Super League season.

“The Club hopes to have Graham in the squad in time for the resumption of the 2020 season, however this move is subject to formal paperwork being completed. A further announcement will be made in due course.”

Graham made his debut in 2003 as an 18-year-old, before going on to make over 200 appearances for the seven-time Super League champions.

He moved to Australia in 2012 with the Bulldogs before joining the Dragons in 2018, and has gone on to play 186 NRL games in total, as well as picking up over 50 international caps.