The Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs are pleased to announce that James Graham has been appointed as Captain of the Club.
The Englishman will be joined in the role with newly appointed vice-captains, Aiden Tolman and Frank Pritchard.
In what will be the club’s 80th anniversary, Graham will lead the club like many have before him, showing his leadership, determination and skill out on the field each week but also with his actions off the field.
The 29-year-old joined the club from St Helens in the English Super League in 2012 and has gone on to play 72 games in blue and white.
Graham knows the responsibility that comes with the role.
“The Bulldogs are such a proud and great club, so I know the responsibility that I now have both on and off the field with the club,” Graham said.
“So many great players have held this role before me and to know I’m here for the next four years, I hope I can show the leadership and qualities of all of those men prior to me.
“Whilst I have been given this role, we are lucky enough to have a number of great leaders at the club and I know that both Aiden and Frank will be there alongside me, leading from the front.”
Coach Des Hasler spoke of the qualities James possesses.
“James is a professional athlete who has shown a number of leadership qualities since arriving here at the club,” Hasler said.
“He leads from the front on the field and is a man that is continuing to look at different ways to improve his game. He is a mentor amongst the playing group and being a seasoned campaigner, he has the knowledge across all aspects of the game to help the club continue to move forward.”
Chief Executive Raelene Castle and the Board endorse the selection of Graham as Captain.
“James has proven himself to be a Captain at an international level and I know he will bring those skills and his leadership style that is equally about actions as it is with words to the Bulldogs captaincy,” Castle said.
“There is a great leadership group here and with James leading the way from the front, we hope to continue being successful across all areas of the game.”