Cumbrian Fanatic 1,268 Report post Posted September 28 James Graham has announced the end of his international career https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/54327534 Thanks for all the effort you've put in over the years, it really has been appreciated 2 Quote 100% League 0% Union Just because I don't know doesn't mean I don't understand Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Damien 10,966 Report post Posted September 28 A great servant to England and GB and the correct decision too. 4 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arcticchris 161 Report post Posted September 28 Good. Saved the indignity of not getting picked. Been a fabulous player but his time has passed. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moorside roughyed 3,047 Report post Posted September 28 Probably the right decision. He's been a good un. Thank you James Graham. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Futtocks 14,641 Report post Posted September 28 Fantastic career, but it's time he put aside the extra distraction, wear and tear of representative Rugby, to concentrate on his last season or so of the club game. 1 Quote "Men will be proud to say 'I am a European'. We hope to see a day when men of every country will think as much of being a European as of being from their native land." (Winston Churchill) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
barnyia 1,543 Report post Posted September 29 He'll be 42 by the time England play another game so wise decision 3 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Kevin Sinfield 1,860 Report post Posted September 29 With Burgess and Graham at their peak you’ve gotta think 2017 will be the closest we come to lifting the World Cup for a while. I just can’t see many English players coming through that are as good as those 2. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yipyee 949 Report post Posted September 29 3 minutes ago, Sir Kevin Sinfield said: With Burgess and Graham at their peak you’ve gotta think 2017 will be the closest we come to lifting the World Cup for a while. I just can’t see many English players coming through that are as good as those 2. Walmsley and Thompson? Burgess seemed to try too hard in an England jersey for me also. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
DavidM 10,032 Report post Posted September 29 32 minutes ago, Sir Kevin Sinfield said: With Burgess and Graham at their peak you’ve gotta think 2017 will be the closest we come to lifting the World Cup for a while. I just can’t see many English players coming through that are as good as those 2. Looking back it was a great opportunity lost . Im not sure we fully believed and really went for it . They were beatable that day Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wirral Warrior 74 Report post Posted September 29 Wonderful player and a wonderful career. Fantastic will to win attitude throughout his career. A good example was the opening match v Aus at last World Cup. I was at that game at Melbourne, and after battering their line for multiple sets , they got a breakaway which effectively won the match. Jammer was the only player who ran back full tilt to try and stop the try or at least force a harder conversion. Definitely in that group of Super League era greats who have played for GB/England along with Farrell, Scully, JP, Burgess , Morley and SOL. I wish him well however he wants to finish his career. Oh....and as an Evertonian, he has also got great taste in football Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davet 278 Report post Posted September 29 7 minutes ago, Wirral Warrior said: Definitely in that group of Super League era greats who have played for GB/England along with Farrell, Scully, JP, Burgess , Morley and SOL. You're having a laugh there!! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Kevin Sinfield 1,860 Report post Posted September 29 12 hours ago, yipyee said: Walmsley and Thompson? Burgess seemed to try too hard in an England jersey for me also. Walmsley played in the 2017 World Cup. The forward pack will be significantly weaker in the 2021 World Cup compared to 2017. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wirral Warrior 74 Report post Posted September 30 On 29/09/2020 at 12:46, davet said: You're having a laugh there!! You dont think Faz and Scully were greats? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davet 278 Report post Posted September 30 9 minutes ago, Wirral Warrior said: You dont think Faz and Scully were greats? That's not who i highlighted. Have another look at the names. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JohnM 7,224 Report post Posted September 30 26 minutes ago, davet said: That's not who i highlighted. Have another look at the names. So, talent spotting not your forte? Quote Four legs good - two legs bad Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
davet 278 Report post Posted September 30 15 minutes ago, JohnM said: So, talent spotting not your forte? Well no, i am not a Super League scout surprisingly. But i would not put SOL in the same category as Scully, JP & Morley. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Harry Stottle 3,792 Report post Posted September 30 I had to smile last night when talking about his retirement Jodie Cunningham said with the WC scheduled for next year Jammer stated that there is a lot of talent knocking about and he does not want to decry anybody of a place, really. He has been a wonderful servent to our game but as far as international selection goes he is past his sell by date, he should not have been selected for last Autumn's GB tour. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cumbrian Fanatic 1,268 Report post Posted September 30 If it doesn't get cancelled due to the restrictions in place, we are going to a sportsman's evening in early December where James Graham is the main guest. I've been to quite a lot of these over the years and I think Graham might be one of the best yet Quote 100% League 0% Union Just because I don't know doesn't mean I don't understand Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Wirral Warrior 74 Report post Posted September 30 2 hours ago, davet said: That's not who i highlighted. Have another look at the names. Agreed...perhaps Joe Burgess doesnt cut the mustard at this level 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Derwent 2,389 Report post Posted September 30 Just his SL retirement to announce now, then he can pull on a blue and white shirt for a final season and retire a happy man. Quote I’m not prejudiced, I hate everybody equally Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
arcticchris 161 Report post Posted September 30 I wonder whether he got the old tap on the shoulder privately telling him he was not in line for future selection and given the chance to publicly bow out on his own terms in recognition of his career service. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hullfan 322 Report post Posted September 30 On 29/09/2020 at 09:36, yipyee said: Walmsley and Thompson? Burgess seemed to try too hard in an England jersey for me also. How is trying to hard a bad thing, if he didn't try you'd be complaining at that also Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yipyee 949 Report post Posted October 1 12 hours ago, Hullfan said: How is trying to hard a bad thing, if he didn't try you'd be complaining at that also Theres a balance and trying too hard impacted his performances, he should have just played his natural game Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Hullfan 322 Report post Posted October 3 On 01/10/2020 at 09:40, yipyee said: Theres a balance and trying too hard impacted his performances, he should have just played his natural game Sam Burgess natural game is to try his hardest every game, which has a knock on effect of inspiring the players around him. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
yipyee 949 Report post Posted October 6 On 03/10/2020 at 13:43, Hullfan said: Sam Burgess natural game is to try his hardest every game, which has a knock on effect of inspiring the players around him. Drug fuelled?? 1 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
