GRAHAM’S TEST BID STARTS OFF STRONGLY
WADE Graham’s versatility has put him on the verge of a Test debut with the Kangaroos.
Graham wore the Australian jersey for the first time when he started from the bench in the World Cup hitouts against Fiji and PNG.
He made an immediate impact when he took his place in the back-row and then spent the bulk of the second game against Fiji at five-eighth.
His value as a utility has him primed to win a bench spot for Australia’s opening clash against England on October 27.
Graham’s inclusion hinges on who wears the No.6 jersey.
Michael Morgan is a certainty to be picked in the 17, but if he starts at five-eighth it opens the door for Graham to be named on the interchange bench.
James Maloney, Ben Hunt and Cameron Munster are other bench utility options.
Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga said Graham’s performance on Saturday night had put the “pressure on”.
“He was excellent,” Meninga said of Graham.
“We were going to put him at nine but we decided to rest the Melbourne guys, who didn’t get much game time.
“Wade played some good minutes. He played left edge, can play five-eighth. I have no doubt he can play at centre.”
Graham, 26, knows his best shot of cracking a Kangaroos spot is as a utility.
“The one to 13 almost picks itself,” Graham said.