James Graham believes St George Illawarra are well equipped to handle the pressure of putting their undefeated start to the season on the line against fierce local rivals Cronulla on Friday night.
The Dragons escaped Shark Park with a come from behind 20-16 victory in round two, with the bitter rivals to meet for a second derby in just 30 days at WIN Stadium in Wollongong.
Graham has made a strong start to his career in the red V since his off season arrival from Canterbury. The England international has added much to the Dragons’ middle in the opening five weeks of the season, helping them to an unblemished 5-0 win-loss record to sit top of the NRL table.
A number of players including Graham, new halves combination Gareth Widdop and Ben Hunt, centre Euan Aitken and back-rower Jack de Belin have all enjoyed impressive starts to the season. But Graham said while pressure would continue to grow with success, their focus on the team rather than individual accolades would keep St George Illawarra in a good position.
”The pleasing thing is we’re playing well as a team. You can see some individuals are playing really well too but we’re doing it for each other. The results are obviously great. This is how any team would want to start the season,” Graham said.
“We’ve got to continue with it now. Each week the pressure is going to build the more we win. But I’m confident in this group that we can handle that pressure.”
Graham has enjoyed his change of scenery, wanting to pay back the trust shown in him by Dragons coach Paul McGregor and those that brought him to the club, feeling the need to prove himself all over again.
Each week the pressure is going to build the more we win. But I’m confident in this group that we can handle that pressure.
- Dragons prop James Graham
Despite Cronulla’s indifferent start that has seen them lose three of their opening five matches to leave the 2016 premiers in 11th place, Graham is adamant the Dragons won’t be taking their nearest geographical rivals lightly.
“They came to play [in round two] and they always do. They’re a quality team,” he said.
“They might have had a bit of a reshuffle there but their forwards are always up for a big game and some outside backs that carry the ball with a lot of venom.
“So it’s going to be a tough one for us.”
