Stand-in Graham feels for absent O’loughlin
Liverpudlian James Graham will cast his initial disappointment to one side as he prepares to lead England in his home city.
Head coach Wayne Bennett turned to the former St Helens forward in the absence of regular captain Sean O’loughlin for tomorrow’s second Test with New Zealand at Anfield.
Graham captained England in the 2010 Four Nations Series and stood in against France a fortnight ago. He was the obvious choice to take over when O’loughlin succumbed to an old calf injury in the first Test victory in Hull.
Graham, England’s most-capped player who will make his 43rd appearance, admits it will be a proud moment when he leads the team out, although his excitement is tempered by sympathy for the stricken Wigan loose forward.
“It’s probably more disappointment than anything, in terms of losing Sean,” he said. “I saw what he went through last year, when he missed the World Cup final and came back and captained Wigan to a Grand Final win and has been pretty healthy throughout the year.
“I’m hugely disappointed for him but I’ve got to stand up and take this role on and concentrate on doing my job for the team.
“I can’t be any more proud than when I’m playing for England anyway. The fact that there’s a ‘C’ next to my name doesn’t really change anything – I’m not more proud or anything like that. I’m proud every time I put on the England shirt.”
England’s nail-biting 18-16 win at the KCOM Stadium has given them a chance to wrap up the series ahead of the third Test at Elland Road but Graham is expecting the Kiwis to bounce back. “I’m not even thinking about 3-0,” he said. “I’m thinking about performing well. I imagine the Kiwis are going to be better than they were last weekend. We’ll have to go up again.” England v New Zealand, Anfield, 2.30pm tomorrow. Live on BBC Two.