Well if you look at what Sam Burgess is getting
[urlhttp://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/how-souths-snared-one-of-games-best-forwards-for-a-mere-1million-20100510-uot6.html[/url

That equates to £183K (in years 3 and 4), plus I would imagine there would be tax incentives with him being overseas, and the way the exchange rate is going it could probably be a bigger £ figure.

That would be the minimum Graham would be looking for. Could Saints afford or be willing to pay £200K to £250 per year?

The image rites part is quite interesting, as I understand it image rites can only be used for overseas players.

You do realise Josh Perry is OOC at the end of the season ? Manly have no say whatsoever who Perry signs for unless they have a better deal for him.

They cannot 'swap' a player that wont belong to them. If James Graham moves (which he wont, he as too many friends in England and they're friends that are not involved in RL) then a big transfer fee will be involved as he still has one year left after this year.

Lazy Journalism but it still gets the Wigan idiots talking

You really think Graham will stay in the UK just because he doesn't want to leave his mates behind? I honestly don't believe that but if it's true he's a bit of a sad act. Refusing to test yourself in the toughtest RL competition on the planet to stay in St. Helens with his pals so he can go and get p*ssed on Westfield Street? Sincerely doubt it

Everyone's different.

If he feels he would get more life satisfaction playing for Saints and kicking back with childhood friends. Fair play to him.

Horses for courses and all that.

He's mate are not from St Helens HTH.

Hello mr big would you like to ship off to the other side of the world away from friends, family, more money and the life that you know ?

Just because it's Australia with sun and sh*tty beaches does not mean every man and his dog wants to live over there.

If that's true he'll have gone down a lot in my estimation and the estimation of many other people. It's not a chance that many English player's get

How do you know?

Are you a Wigan, Leeds or Warrington fan by any chance ?

I'm a Wigan fan, not that it matters. I'm talking as a general rugby league fan here. Everything I've said has been based on the assumptions you have made about James Graham turning down all offers from down under because he doesn't want to leave his friends in St. Helens behind. In my opinion as a rugby league that's a pretty poor reason for turning down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Says it all really.


Why? Because home is important to some people? Because he might just be happy where he is? I'd call that a reason to envy him to be honest.

Re graham to Oz, he's a ginge, it just wouldn't work, not enough suntan cream in the world!

That's your opinion. I'd call that a reason to call him a dunce. There are hundreds of players in SL that would jump at the chance to play in the NRL but are simply not good enough. Graham clearly is imo but to reject a move down under simply to stay in St. Helens with his mates is pretty limp reason to turn down a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This is all conjecture anyway seeing as nobody knows if an offer from Oz is actually on the table.

P.S. I like how you waited until I revealed that I was a Wiganer before you decided to have an argument. It's as if you were in agreement up until that point

Maybe, just maybe, he's happy with his lot in life. Maybe he's decided he doesn't feel the need to live up to an internet poster's opinion.

Maybe he should have a chat with Sam Burgess and ask him if he misses his pals from Bratfud. I'm just saying that if it was me I'd need a far better reason not to play in the NRL than "I'd miss my mates too much". If he decides to stay in St. Helens then fair enough. He would probably live to regret it imo but in the end it's his decision and he'll live with his choice

It's not just about 'friends'. It's about culture, family, friends and being on the other side of the fu*king world and being on less money!

nar i carnt see him going, wel at least for not another 3 or so years

what dirtbag is saying is true though, it would test him and it would be a once in a life time opertunity. but home is more important to some people

I've no doubt he'll try the NRL out at some point - but for an Aussie club to take him while he's on contract would mean a huge transfer fee. Not sure any of them would have that kind of cash, particularly as he's an overrated, dummy spitting crybaby (c) Leeds Fans

Pot and kettle spring to mind there.


Unlike you, I have a life.

Oh dear. Here's me thinking I'd get an intelligent, well-though out response from you SaintsFan. Never mind

Perhaps he is like Leon and thinks Blackpool beach is better than Bondi??

On a totally different level, I played in Australia (QLD) for a season back in 93, yet couldnt wait to get home. Sun, sea, sand, sheila's, v St Helens lifestyle = No comparison! St Helens all the way!

Australia = Sharks, Box Jellyfish, Flies, Drought, Saler Crocs, Bush Fires = My idea of Hell.

No chance. I reserve those responses for people I think are worth the effort.

It depends which St Helens you are talking about. The one in Tasmania is stunning.

Charming. I don't know where St. Helens gets it's reputation for breeding ill-mannered half-wits from

Wigan.