Graham all clear for Eels contest

CRONULLA back-rower Wade Graham has declared himself a certain starter to return from his hamstring injury in Saturday’s clash against Parramatta, opening the door to revive his Origin chances.

Graham sat out last weekend’s one-point win over the Gold Coast, but he says he is now ready to play. His comeback is perfect timing for the Sharks, who have lost star fullback Josh Dugan for four to six weeks with a broken foot.

“The boys are a bit thin on deck at the moment, so hopefully I can get back in there and help out a bit,” Graham said.

“I’m just being really safe with my hamstring. It was a grade 1 strain against the Dragons. I thought I was close for the Penrith game, but it tightened up during the week so we thought we better play it safe against the Gold Coast.

“The NRL season is a marathon and it is not the time of the year to be getting a big injury. But I ran on Monday and I’ll run again on Wednesday, and if I get through that session I should be sweet for the weekend.”

Graham is also battling a broken right pinky finger he hurt in the pre-season.