Grand Final will be a great advert for rugby league, says James Graham

St Helens prop James Graham believes the Grand Final will be a great advert for the sport with the two standout teams going head-to-head. 

Reigning champions Saints take on League Leaders’ Shield winners Wigan in the 2020 Super League Grand Final at Hull’s KCOM Stadium on Friday night.

Graham, who will hang up his boots after the match, thinks the final will be one to remember.

He said: “It seems that more of the emotion is coming from the outside. Internally, it (retirement) probably hasn’t set in yet and I probably dealt with this a long time ago.

“Deep down I probably knew towards the start of this season that this year was going to be my last so I’ve known for some time. It is not as new for me as it is for my loved ones and people with messages.

“I actually feel alright and for me, it is a bit of a side story for myself and Sean (O’Loughlin. The focus should be on what a great game it is going to be on Friday. The two best teams, in my opinion, going up against each other with everything on the line in the season that will be remembered forever.

“There is so much to play for and I hope it is a great advert for our sport. Friday night will be prime time, so just tune in and watch.”

Like Graham, Wigan captain Sean O’Loughlin will bring down the curtain on an illustrious career on Friday evening.

O’Loughlin said: “The way it has panned out has felt right. Obviously you want to go out on a high but it is not always the case.

“It has teed up nicely for me. Last week I got a game at the DW which was nice to play there (one last time) when I probably didn’t think I would have been able to.

“The boys have got us to a Grand Final and it is teed up against Saints so it is a fairytale ending if you get the win but no matter how well it is teed up for me, there is no right there to go and get it (the trophy) so its nice but there is still a job to be done.”

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