Wade Graham commits to Cronulla

Wade Graham turned down other NRL offers in order to sign a new deal with Cronulla until at least the end of 2022.

The former Australia and New South Wales back-rower attracted interest from a couple of NRL clubs but decided to stay at the Sharks due to his loyalty and a settled private life.

Graham, 28, arrived at Cronulla eight years ago from Penrith Panthers and helped the Sharks win the NRL Premiership in 2016.

When asked if there was interest elsewhere, Graham replied: “There was a bit of interest.

“I’ve been in rugby league circles for a long time, so I had a few chats with a few different people.

“But my priority was always Cronulla with the stage I’m at in my career – the relationships I’ve built at the club, in the community and within the playing group.

“Obviously I’ve been with the club when it’s been in some bad places and when it’s been in the best place of all [2016 NRL Premiership]. There’s been a lot of ups and downs but the belief I have in the club, and the belief in the playing group at the moment, that’s the biggest reason I re-signed.

“I’m really confident that if we can put it together on the field, we have the ability to contend [for a second title] over the next three to four years.”

World Cup winner Graham has played 178 games for the Sharks, scoring 33 tries.