James Graham doesn’t think he will be a head coach one day

Former England captain James Graham has ruled out moving into coaching after admitting he would not manage to maintain “any form of sanity”.

The legendary St Helens forward retired after Saints’ 2020 Grand Final win. He now works Down Under with former club St George Illawarra Dragons.

Graham says he and his family are loving a lifestyle that now feels like home. But does not expect to pursue a career as a head coach.

“After the 2020 season I moved back to Australia and I have a hybrid role with the Dragons, doing coaching, pathways and work with the partnerships team,” Graham told Love Rugby League.

“I enjoy the coaching side but I’m not sure whether or not it’s for me. 

“I see how a lot of these coaches operate. Although I was a little bit mad back in the day that has dwindled a bit, and looking at the coaches I just don’t know if I can live the life they live and maintain any form of sanity. But we’ll see how it goes.”

Australia a home from home for James Graham

Graham opens up on The Big Interview for this week’s Love Rugby League Podcast, discussing his career at Saints, England’s hopes at the Rugby League World Cup and the story behind the time he fooled Australian TV network Channel Nine by impersonating David Brent from cult television show The Office. 

The 36-year-old says he and his family are settled in Australia but had not ruled out returning to the UK in the future. 

“I’m not too sure whether this will be home forever, certainly it is for the foreseeable future. 

“But I’m not one to ever close the door on anything. I’m happy, content and pleased with the options I have got over here. But you never know where life is going to take you sometimes.”

PODCAST: James Graham on World Cup, Saints farewell and life after league