Dragons fire up in chase for Bulldog Graham
ST GEORGE Illawarra will ramp up their pursuit of James Graham when they table an offer for the Canterbury captain this week.
Despite suggestions his move to the Dragons is locked in, the deal is far from done.
St George Illawarra started preliminary discussions with the Englishman’s manager David Riolo last Friday, but no offer was tabled.
Dragons coach Paul McGregor wants to add Graham’s experience and leadership to fill the void left in his forward pack by Russell Packer’s impending departure to the Wests Tigers.
It’s understood the Dragons are weighing up a two or threeyear deal for the Bulldogs prop, who turns 32 next month.
Canterbury back-rower Josh Jackson hasn’t given up hope of keeping Graham and says he is confident the Englishman will honour the final season of his contract.
“As far as I’m concerned, and I’m sure as far as he is concerned, he is going to be here next year,” Jackson said yesterday.
“I’d imagine every club in the competition would be interested in James, but it’s speculation.”
Jackson said the Bulldogs were determined to put the club’s salary cap woes behind them to focus on the final two rounds.
Canterbury need to offload at least two players to become cap compliant in order for the NRL to register the contracts of incoming signings Aaron Woods and Kieran Foran.
The Bulldogs have said most their top 25 are up for grabs, except Jackson, Dave Klemmer, Matt Frawley and Raymond Faitala-Mariner.