James Graham tips Luke Thompson to be a star in the NRL

James Graham believes Canterbury’s new signing Luke Thompson will be a huge success in the NRL.

Thompson, 25, has made an early move to the Bulldogs from St Helens on a deal until the end of the 2023 season.

Graham, who has just re-joined Saints on a deal for the rest of 2020 from St George Illawarra Dragons, believes his fellow Englishman Thompson will have a successful career Down Under.

He said: “Luke’s been a friend of mine for a couple of years now and I just told him to make his own decision and do what is right for him.

“There is going to be some external pressure from either way but hopefully he is comfortable in his decision and does what is best for him.

“I’ve got no doubt that he will be a success over here (in the NRL). He’s a fantastic player and whether he’s playing in England, Australia or anywhere else in the world – he will be a star.”

Graham made more than 200 appearances in his first spell at Saints between 2003-11, when they played at their old Knowsley Road home.

But the Great Britain and England international is excited to play at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

He added: “The last year I was at Saints we played at Widnes so I missed out on playing there (Totally Wicked Stadium).

“I watched Australia v Fiji there (in the 2013 World Cup) but I’m looking forward to getting on that turf.”

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