NRL: Bulldogs sign England captain

James Graham. Photo / Getty Images

Canterbury have secured a coup by signing England captain James Graham on a three-year deal with the NRL club from 2012.

Graham, 25, said he had long wanted to test himself in the Australian-based competition.

The Great Britain prop will arrive at the Bulldogs after a nine-season Super League career with St Helens which saw him earn accolades including the 2008 Man of Steel Award, the Rugby League Writers Player of the Year and World XIII selection.

"The decision to leave St Helens has been by far the biggest decision of my rugby league career," said Graham in a statement issued by Canterbury.

"I've been on the books with Saints since I was 11 years old and I grew up supporting the club. I love the place and I never wanted to play against them, and as such I didn't consider any other Super League options.

"Testing myself in the NRL is something I've always wanted to do, and the Bulldogs just seemed right from day one.

"From meeting with (chief executive) Todd Greenberg and (coach) Kevin Moore and also (recruitment manager) Peter Mulholland, I got a feeling that the Bulldogs are a club heading in the right direction."

Moore relished Graham's signing.

"James is a player of the highest quality and we're very much looking forward to having him on board," said Moore.

"He's been rated among the best front rowers in the world for a number years now and it's always exciting to add international quality to your forward pack.

"His leadership qualities are obvious and he will be a great addition to our club and our team.
"I think he's going to make a big impression across the NRL."