Resolute McNamara opts to exclude world-class Graham

ENGLAND coach Steve McNamara has made another bold call by leaving out former captain James Graham for tomorrow’s World Cup opener against Australia.
James Graham.James Graham.
James Graham.

The Canterbury Bulldogs prop was the shock absentee from the 19-man squad named yesterday, leading to speculation he has been the latest player to pay the price for breaking an alcohol ban.

Second-row Gareth Hock was sent home in disgrace after failing to turn up for a swimming session on Sunday having slept in following a drinking session.

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He claimed he was one of “six or seven” players who broke the seven-day alcohol ban following England’s shock pre-tournament defeat to Italy and added that McNamara told him the others would also be disciplined.

There has been no comment from the England camp explaining Graham’s absence, but it appears probable he too may have incurred the wrath of his coach.

It is one of the biggest decisions of McNamara’s career given the world-class 28-year-old, who has been such a hit in the NRL, was a certain starter to face the Kangaroos unlike, perhaps, the unpredictable Hock.

Ex-St Helens front-row Graham demonstrated his insatiable work rate against Italy once more when he was not only England’s top tackler with 43 – missing none – but also their leading ball carrier and metre-maker.

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Given England are without one of their other main leaders – Wigan Warriors loose forward Sean O’Loughlin, who has failed to prove his fitness in time – and the strength of their opponents it would have been easy for McNamara to turn a blind eye.

But that does not seem to be the case as he continues a firm stance.

In Graham’s absence, McNamara has selected 21-year-old Tom Burgess, who joins twin brother George and older sibling Sam in the 19-man squad, which will be trimmed to 17 before kick-off.

Sam and George both played against Italy while Tom played for the England Knights alongside Huddersfield second-row Brett Ferres, who was drafted in as a replacement for Hock on Tuesday and has been handed a place in the 19. Wigan second rower Liam Farrell is the fourth uncapped player in the squad.

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“The players have trained well all week and we are ready to take on Australia,” said McNamara.

“We have healthy competition for places across all areas. The players are aware of this and continue to put in the effort in training to make sure they are prepared and ready for what should be a thrilling game.

“There is a sense of anticipation and determined resolve amongst the group. This is what we all have been working for over the last few years. We know we are going to have to play well to win.

“Our focus on the tournament and throughout the year has been about being the best we can be.

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“We respect all opponents but the aim is to focus on ourselves and continue to improve.”

England squad: Ablett, G Burgess, S Burgess, T Burgess, Burrow, Charnley, Chase, Cudjoe, Farrell, Ferres, Hall, Hill, Mossop, Roby, Sinfield (capt), Tomkins, Watkins, Westwood, Widdop.

Australia squad: Slater, B Morris , Tate, Inglis, Boyd, Thurston, Cronk, Scott, Smith, Tamou, Bird, Thaiday, Gallen. Interchange: (from): Farah, Fifita, Lewis, Parker, Hayne, Miles.

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