Cronulla Sharks star open to Catalans switch after revealing talks have taken place
Wade Graham says he has spoken with the Catalans Dragons regards a potential future move to the Super League but he is keen to stay with Cronulla for the 2023 NRL season.
Graham is off contract at the end of the season and his future has yet to be decided. The 31-year-old has spent the last 11 seasons with the Sharks but there is talk of him moving on. Catalans have shown an interest but for now he wants to stay with the Sharks.
As well as his love for the club, there is also another reason to delay a move overseas. His Canadian-born partner will soon be able to apply for Aussie citizenship. So Graham is hoping a fresh deal can be hammered out.
Cronulla Sharks the club for Graham
But for now he is focusing on the season ahead as Cronulla push for glory.
“If she stays another year then she can apply for citizenship so there are a few hurdles to jump,” he told Newscorp. “I have had one conversation with ‘Fitzy’(coach Craig Fitzgibbon) and ‘Moons’ (Cronulla’s Football Manager Darren Mooney) about what next year looks like.
“But focus is just about playing this year. I’m not worried, there’s still plenty of time to go this year. We’ll see where the cards fall. I’m not in any rush.”
But the chance to play for Catalans down the line does appeal. Indeed Graham has told the French club just that. His partner is also French-speaking so living in Perpignan would fit in nicely.
Graham has ruled out playing there in 2023. However initial talks have taken place and it is an option for 2024 it would seem.
Catalans Dragons talks
“I have had initial chats with Catalans,” Graham added. “They know I’m off contract and did ring me about a month ago. I told them it was in my future plans. It hasn’t progressed much further than that but it’s still on the cards.
“I manage myself so it would be to good go through the process and talk to them. At this stage, they have expressed interest and I have said it’s certainly a goal of mine at some stage of my career to head over there.”
The Sharks have started the season well and sit fourth on the ladder with seven wins from 11 games. Graham has played in just four of them because of injury.
Next up is a home clash with the Sydney Roosters on Saturday afternoon.
