James Graham made a statement in the 2016 All Stars match last weekend and the Bulldogs Skipper is determined to build on his man of the match performance.
After starring for the World All Stars in their hard-fought 12-8 win over the Indigenous All Stars at Suncorp Stadium that included being rewarded with the Preston Campbell Medal for best on ground, Graham was surprised to be chosen for the prestigious award.
“To be honest I was really surprised and I wasn’t expecting to win that award,” Graham said.
“It just capped off what was an outstanding week.
A lot has been made of whether the All Stars should continue to feature on the rugby league calender, but like many of the players that participate in the week, Graham believes the All Stars concept is too important for it to be squeezed out of an increasingly packed NRL pre-season.
“You see the effect and positive change you can have on young people’s lives which make them make better decisions.
“It’s an All Stars concept and it’s a celebration of our different cultures coming together.
Graham will feature in the Bulldogs final trial against the Melbourne Storm this weekend at Belmore Sports Ground.
