Super League interest in NRL star confirmed as he makes decision on future

The likes of Leeds Rhinos, Wigan Warriors, Warrington Wolves and Hull KR have all confirmed signings for the 2024 season and in fact some clubs have already confirmed signings from the NRL.

Wigan have drafted in former Huddersfield Giants and Leeds star Kruise Leeming, Warrington have been quick to sign Lachlan Fitzgibbon beating four other clubs to the Newcastle Knights back rower and Hull KR are bringing in Oliver Gildart and Peta Hiku from the NRL as well.

There have been a number of other NRL stars linked with a move to the NRL including North Queensland Cowboys veteran Jordan McLean.

However, despite Super League interest in McLean and options to sign for other NRL clubs, Zero Tackle are reporting that he is set to sign a new deal with the Cowboys.

He is not the only Super League target to choose to stay away from the competition this week with Cronulla Sharks veteran Wade Graham opting to retire.

He was open after this about the fact he had negotiations with Catalans Dragons and he said he would be keen on a move in the future.

However, in a shock move he has confirmed that he will be retiring at the end of this season.

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.