Saints sad to see Graham leave

St Helens have wished prop James Graham all the best after it was confirmed he would be joining NRL side Canterbury Bulldogs in 2012.

Graham, 25, has been at the club since he was 11-years-old and was the Super League Man of Steel in 2008.

He has signed a three-year deal to go Down Under, and Saints chairman Eamonn McManus has wished him every success.

McManus stated: “We did everything practical to persuade James to stay but ultimately we respect his wishes and ambitions absolutely.

“There comes a point where you have to just shake his hand and wish him every luck in his new career and life. James will be remembered as one of the all time greats of the club, even at the age of 25.

“He has handled the situation professionally and with absolute respect for the Saints, recognising what we have done for him as well as what he has done for us.

“He does not need to reassure the fans that he will give 100 per cent for the rest of the season, that is taken as read. The door will always be wide open for him at St. Helens, and with a red carpet leading to it, if James ever returns to Super League.”

Graham has won three Challenge Cups and a World Club Challenge so far at Saints, and has appeared in the last four Super League Grand Finals.