It’s Wayne’s world GRAHAM’S CONFIDENT ENGLAND ARE READY TO REALLY STEP UP A LEVEL

RICH PICKINGS: Paul Hanagan on Sands Of Mali JAMES GRAHAM has thrown down the gauntlet to the rest of the world ahead of the three-Test series against New Zealand.

The England star was part of the side that lost narrowly to Australia in last year’s World Cup Final Down Under.

And the prop, 33, is convinced the world order is changing and growing – with Wayne Bennett’s England at the heart of it.

He said: “For the first time in a long time we have got a really competitive international game.

“We saw that last year with Tonga getting to the World Cup Semi-Final and with New Zealand beating Australia last week.

“With the performances England gave in the World Cup, I think it’s great. Then there are teams like Samoa and Fiji so international rugby league is pretty healthy.

“It would be foolish to say there’s a changing of the guard but everybody being competitive is what it is all about.”

Graham captained England, in his 41st appearance, to a 44-6 midweek Test win over France in Leigh.

The former St Helens favourite admits he was thrilled to see eight players make their debuts, especially Saints forward Luke Thompson.

He said: “We didn’t get to play together at Saints but I have followed his career closely.

“You can see he is a hell of a competitor. To score a try on his England debut, not that far from his home town, is special.”

But Graham, who has played in Australia for the past seven years, admits the biggest buzz was playing in front of his parents.

In England’s first home fixture for two years, Graham’s family were out in force. He said: “Before I went to Australia my dad only missed about five games in 20 years so I cherish these moments.”