Wade Graham

[SF]

Still doesn’t have the power he used to, but quick play the balls and none of the self preservation from last year or the trial game. Was a real positive reminder of what he can bring to the team. Fitzgibbon brought the two grand final heroes on at the exact perfect time.

 

[Sharkbyte]

Heaps better this week

 

[Gards]

What are they feeding this bloke? Is the bulk up intentional?

Anyways he looked a lot better performance wise. Passed some wobly balls but they found their mark and made a strong half break up the guts through a few defenders

Good signs even if we are going to use him differently or he is a different player, make it work for him and the team

 

[mr.sharkiee]

Great game but that little shimmy before being tackled annoys me.

 

[Gal The Goat]

Already sort of been touched on in a previous post, but there was a moment in the game where we were a bit lost and just passing it sideways. Gets to Graham and he just tucks it under his arm, charges it for about a 15 metre gain and gets our roll on again. Also had some good moments in the middle where he was the link to keep spreading it

If he’s prepared to play a bench role where he comes on as lock and plays the way he did yesterday (also adds coverage for back row and halves) then he’s worth keeping for the right price.

Wilton can stay left edge, Finucane prop, McInnes lock and Graham is the man who gives McInnes his spell

 

[Paul C]

Can't make a decision on this bloke yet.

Aside from loyalty, disclosed form of his competitors is much stronger, particularly those available at his price point.

 

[Gal The Goat]

Can't make a decision on this bloke yet.

Aside from loyalty, disclosed form of his competitors is much stronger, particularly those available at his price point.

Do agree with this though. I wouldn’t be looking to sign him until the end of the year and not at the expense of anyone who’s in good form. France might still best for everyone

 

[Gumby]

I wouldnt make a decision on this bloke until at least round 20 at the earliest

 

[fishermanaxe]

Having watched the replay Im sure there is a moment in the second half where Wade is being directed on where to be and where to run around the middle third by our Trainer.
I know it’s common place , but not for Wade and seems to me he is being re-trained on his role.

 

[Sparkles]

They talk about that late footwork being the difference between the great forwards and the good. Wade could transition into a FRF/non-edge 2nd rower pretty easily and would have great ballplaying and footwork.

 

[Gards]

not enough people talking about how THICC he has gotten

either he let his diet go to **** or Fitz is fattening him up to be more of a middle player which appears like it could be the case

makes sense with Tieg & Nikora in the team

 

[Gumby]

After the re signings and rumours I don’t think this bloke will be here next season

 

[Super Impose]

After the re signings and rumours I don’t think this bloke will be here next season

I’m feeling it as well …

 

[Bundy Shark]

Nah, I think he’s here for next season as well

 

[Blix]

Nah, I think he’s here for next season as well

Severely hoping not!

personally my patience expired in Graham when he started talking about new contracts….

Has been playing like a busted a..e for last couple of years and then talks up his desired form come contract signing period.

Will no doubt fire up for a solid 4-5 games now, highlighting how he has received a second wind and is ready to return to career best form…….please….

Wilton is playing far far better then Wade has in 3-4 years

 

[apezza]

Severely hoping not!

personally my patience expired in Graham when he started talking about new contracts….

Has been playing like a busted a..e for last couple of years and then talks up his desired form come contract signing period.

Will no doubt fire up for a solid 4-5 games now, highlighting how he has received a second wind and is ready to return to career best form…….please….

Wilton is playing far far better then Wade has in 3-4 years

To be fair the only contract talks I have heard from Wade is in response to Jurnos asking him questions.

Even when they asked him before the Brisbane game he said (words together effect of): " you need to be on the field playing before you can even start to think about contract talks"

I don't think it's either going to be Wade or Wilton. If Wade can play well and earn another contract they will find room for both players in the team.

 

[Sutty]

Deadset tank.

I hope he makes the bench role his own. Little bit of footwork on the tiring mids, nice little offload to Kennedy. I dunno, maybe it's a thing.

 

[Sparkles]

I could see him playing Fifita's role when Fif's shuffles off. It's good to have some old boys around the squad, just not on 2016 pedigree money or minutes. I feel like Wade might be happy to play that role. Keeps him involved, doesn't dimish his career at all, and might help ease him into a post-footy career (did I hear he would like to coach?)

 

[bort]

I could see him playing Fifita's role when Fif's shuffles off. It's good to have some old boys around the squad, just not on 2016 pedigree money or minutes. I feel like Wade might be happy to play that role. Keeps him involved, doesn't dimish his career at all, and might help ease him into a post-footy career (did I hear he would like to coach?)

The cries of 'who cares what he's on he earned' have definitely quietened down now they can see the kind of players having access to cap money can sign you

 

[Sparkles]

The cries of 'who cares what he's on he earned' have definitely quietened down now they can see the kind of players having access to cap money can sign you

And the difference it makes when you get a couple, for sure.
I think any decent team should have it built into their cap plans to carry an older, slightly busted legend in the twilight of their careers at decent but not crazy money. You just can't beat the experience it brings to the squad and culture it helps build, and they can bust out an old skool stint every now and again when you really need it.