Michael Ennis thinks Wade Graham’s reaction to being rubbed out of last night’s second State of Origin is evidence as to why he will be a leader of Cronulla and NSW in the not too distant future.
Graham missed the Origin clash in Brisbane through suspension but will be free to play for Cronulla against the New Zealand Warriors on Saturday night.
The Sharks host the Warriors at Southern Cross Group Stadium looking for a club record-equaling 11th straight win.
Ennis said he was confident Graham would learn from the experience, with Cronulla and NSW likely to be the biggest beneficiaries.
“He certainly hasn’t kicked stones. You can see the disappointment in him, especially today. He’s obviously at training today but in the back of his mind he knows where he could be or where he’d rather be,” he said.
“[But] he’s been great. He’s carried himself really well as everyone has seen.
“I think he’ll be looking to turn in another solid performance [against the Warriors] and really press his claims for [Origin III]. It’s disappointing he’s not there but it’s a bonus for us to have him playing the footy that he is and to not have his body knocked around in a big Origin game.
“He’ll get his opportunity [at State of Origin]. I’m confident that Wade will turn into a real leader of the NSW side in the near future anyway. It’s disappointing for him but he’s handled the adversity really well.”
Ennis was disappointed for Graham, who copped a one-match suspension after being found guilty of a careless high tackle on Johnathan Thurston at the judiciary last week.
But with 34-year-old Gallen nearing the end of his career at representative and club level, Ennis said Graham looked to be the perfect replacement for both club and state.
“Obviously Gal’s front and centre at the moment and playing great footy for us but when the day comes, and you’ve seen it with Corey Parker the other day, if a day does come for Gal and he decides he’s had enough it’s pretty obvious that Wade will be that guy [to replace him],” he said.
“Being 25 he knows he’s got some time on his side.
“I think Wade’s comfortable too knowing the style of footy that he plays that when he does get that shot [at Origin] they won’t look back.
“He’s the sort of player that once they get him in there and he plays one game they’ll think to themselves ‘we should have had him three or four years ago’. He’s just that sort of player. He’s got that toughness about him [and] he’s got a lot of skill with the football.”
Coach Shane Flanagan is hopeful his four Origins reps – captain Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, James Maloney and debutant Jack Bird – will be right to back up for Cronulla on Saturday night.
