Super League target and Cronulla Sharks captain Wade Graham set to sign surprise deal

With wheeling and dealing still to be done ahead of the 2023 Super League and NRL seasons, clubs are trying their utmost to get the best deals for themselves.

31-year-old Wade Graham had previously been linked with a move to the Catalans Dragons with The Mole at the Wide World of Sports reporting as such in July after contract problems with Cronulla.

However, the Sydney Morning Herald has revealed just how much Graham is currently being paid – and the figures make a Super League move unlikely to say the least.

Graham’s contract currently sits at $730,000 – a figure which equates to just over £400,000!

However, the 31-year-old has now confirmed that talks are ongoing with the Sharks in a bid to extend his future by another year

“I’ve had some discussions with the club and I’m certainly comfortable with where things are heading,’’ Graham told the Daily Telegraph.

“It’s not at the forefront of my priority list, there’s a great opportunity ahead of us as a club and that’s my priority.

“I’m comfortable with a one-year contract and you never know, if I get to this time next year and I’m still feeling good, you never know.

“But definitely at this stage I’m looking at one year (only).’’

Graham has faced his fair share of problems in recent seasons with repeated head knocks as well as an ankle injury plaguing his past 12 months in the NRL.

However, the 31-year-old has been returning to form that once made him one of the greatest back-rowers in world rugby league.

With a look to the future, Graham wants to help bring through the stars of the future – much like Wests Tigers legend Benji Marshall.

“Footy is all I’ve ever known as a six year-old,’’ Graham continued.

“I started playing first grade at 17, straight out of high school, so I came into a fulltime job straight away.

“So moving forward, I’d definitely like to stay involved. It’s what I’ve dedicated my whole life to. Coaching is definitely an option. I’m doing my accreditation with Benji Marshall.

“He’s already got a job, I’ll have to hit him up to try to be one of his assistants. I’d love to be able to give the game something back after it’s given me so much for so many years.’’