Graham - Stick together

Prop happy to be back in action after week off

Last updated: 12th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Graham - Stick together

Graham: concentrate on job

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Super League Man of Steel James Graham has called for team spirit to see England through Saturday's World Cup semi-final.

England have been written off after successive defeats to Australia and the Kiwis, but have a final chance of redemption in Brisbane.

St Helens prop Graham was rested when the sides met in their final pool match last Saturday and, although coach Tony Smith has yet to finalise his line-up, Graham will be expected to lead England's bid for a place in the final.

"I just think it's important that we stick together as a team," he said. "Whatever the 17 that Tony decides to pick, we've got to really concentrate on doing a job.

"Obviously, they'll be pretty confident because they've got players to come in as well.

"We've been put down by the press and the general public - everyone has the right to their opinion - but we can't allow ourselves to get dragged down."

Graham, 23, was on the losing side for the first time in his senior international career when England were thumped 52-4 by Australia in Melbourne and he cannot wait to get back out on the field and help make amends.

"Obviously, Tony had his reasons for not playing me last Saturday," he said. "I want to play in every game but Tony decides what is best for the team.

Happy

"I'm just a young kid and maybe what I think is not what is best for the team in the long run. He's been there and done it and I'm happy to do whatever he wants me to do."

England are thought to have lingering injury doubts over full-back Paul Wellens and stand-off Leon Pryce, which could significantly affect Smith's plans.

If Wellens fails to recover from ankle ligament damage, Lee Smith will switch from wing to full-back and Gardner will take on the job of marking Manu Vatuvei, the four-try hero of the Kiwis' 36-24 win over England last Saturday.

If Pryce is still troubled by a rib injury, Danny McGuire would be his natural replacement, especially after outplaying him in the Super League Grand Final.

New Zealand coach Stephen Kearney joined in the cat-and-mouse game by declining to name his team, although World Cup organisers expect a Kiwis squad on Thursday.