SPEAR WE GO AGAIN
James fit after crunch tackle
JAMES GRAHAM has given England a boost by insisting that he’ll be fit for their Four Nations opener.
He was pole-axed by a spear tackle in Saturday’s 40-6 warm-up win over France and went off injured.
But the former St Helens star says he is confident of passing the tests he has to take under the concussion rules.
He said: “There was a bit of panic more than anything but I feel aright and I’m raring to go on Saturday.
“It is a very special occasion every time you pull on the jersey so I cannot envisage failing the head test, I feel OK.”
Graham was captain for the game against France but hands the armband back to Sam Burgess, who was suspended at the weekend.
The prop forward, who has played ® for Canterbury Bulldogs for the last five years, said: “I’m 100 per cent happy with that.
‘‘I am really pleased for him because being handed the captaincy is massive.
“I cannot wait to stand alongside him and follow his lead because he is an outstanding leader and I am genuinely excited about playing with him.”
Pleased
Saturday’s game against New Zealand, will be the first rugby league international for Burgess since the 2013 World Cup semi-final defeat by the Kiwis.
Graham is delighted that he’s back, following a controversial switch to rugby union, saying: “He is back where he belongs.”
The four-week tournament, which will culminate in the final in Liverpool, was officially launched at Anfield yesterday.
Australia’s coach Mal Meninga has claimed that England’s Wayne Bennett will be gunning to take his job off him.
But England’s Aussie gaffer says his sole priority is helping the host country, saying: “I am very happy with the England job.
“I’m happy with what I’m doing and pleased with the decision I made and working with England.”
Meninga, who has won both his games in charge of the Roos, added: “We want international rugby league to be the pinnacle of our game.
“Having Wayne involved will enhance that. His profile is great and he will add to the Four Nations, going into next year’s World Cup.”
Massive underdogs Scotland kick off their campaign against Australia in Hull on Friday.