Shropshire Star

England’s James Graham completes move to St George Illawarra

The prop links up again with former St Helens coach Ian Millward.

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England forward James Graham has completed his switch of NRL clubs in a move that will see him end his career in Australia.

The former St Helens prop, who turns 32 on Sunday, is moving from Canterbury Bulldogs to St George Illawarra on a three-year contract, which puts paid to any lingering hopes his old Super League club had of re-signing their former captain.

Graham, whose departure will help alleviate salary-cap pressure on the Bulldogs, made the last of his 135 appearances for Canterbury in their 26-20 win over the Dragons last Sunday.

Super League’s Man of Steel in 2008, Graham played in the 2012 and 2014 Grand Finals for the Bulldogs as part of a five-year stint at the club.

Dragons’ director of pathways Ian Millward, who gave Graham his Super League debut during his spell in charge at St Helens in 2003, said: “We were looking for an experienced front rower and James has played at the highest level in the NRL and on the international stage for England.

“In addition, given his leadership experience, he will be able to continue to support the development of the young forwards in our squad and development systems.”

Graham is England’s most-capped international and is sure to be named in Wayne Bennett’s 24-man World Cup squad on October 9.

Meanwhile, former London Broncos and Hull KR forward Anthony Seibold has been unveiled as the new head coach of South Sydney, stepping up from the role of assistant to succeed ex-Wigan boss Michael Maguire.

Seibold cut his coaching teeth on the backroom staff at Celtic Crusaders from 2006-09, helping to lead the club to Super League, and enjoyed his first head coaching role with South Wales Scorpions whom he led to the play-offs in their inaugural season.

He then moved back to Australia to coach in the Queensland Cup and worked as an assistant coach at Melbourne, Manly and the Rabbitohs.

Seibold, who was also assistant coach of Queensland’s State of Origin team, has signed a two-year contract with the Rabbitohs.

“To become a head coach at a quality NRL club has been my career goal since I got into coaching and to have this opportunity to lead the team here at South Sydney is something I’m very proud of,” he said.

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