Graham insists Dragons have time to get things right
DRAGONS prop and England international James Graham has achieved a lot in his illustrious career, but there is one box he is yet to tick.
“Playing at Leichhardt Oval,” Graham said. “I can’t recall ever playing there. I think maybe as a youngster on England tour, but not as a professional.”
Graham will finally get to make his Leichhardt debut on Saturday when the Dragons take on Wests Tigers at the iconic suburban ground.
“I’m a big fan of the suburban grounds and it should be a great one on Saturday afternoon,” he said. “All the fans should be able to enjoy the atmosphere, so fingers crossed it should be a good game and we can get the win.”
With the fans close to the sidelines at Leichhardt it creates a hostile environment for visiting teams but Graham can’t wait to reignite the Dragons’ season against the fast-finishing Tigers on their home ground.
Having lost five of their past six games, the Dragons have dropped out of the top four.
“We are determined to play some good football,” he said. “It is a tough competition we play in and it is very even. Sometimes you can prepare and try your best but still not get victories.
“If you are a little bit off your game, other teams can punish you, but the important thing is to move forward and go about trying to change our last couple of results.”
The Dragons have been disappointing in completions, dropping from first to 16th in that category in recent weeks.
Graham acknowledges his side must improve their fundamentals to challenge for the premiership.
“Most people look at our game and completing sets is a big one,” he said.
“We are aware that has dropped off a little bit. We are not doing it on purpose and going out there to drop the ball.
“It is something we are constantly trying to improve and better ourselves in.”
St George Illawarra’s slide has prompted critics to question the side’s mental state.
Most experts believe it is the Dragons’ customary drop-off at the back end of the season but Graham doesn’t agree.
“I think it is one of those coincidental things,” he said.
“The important thing is that we’ve got time to get it right.
“We’ve got three games in the regular season left so what’s done is done in the past.
“The playing group of yesteryear would have learnt from their experiences and the new players have their own experiences so we’ll put that together as a group and look to finish the season strongly.”