France has come calling for Sharks champion Wade Graham.
And it all started with a story in The Daily Telegraph.
Graham, 31, has revealed Catalans – the Perpignan-based club in Super League – has made contact about luring him to the south of France.
And Graham is certainly keen on the idea.
Off contract after this year, Graham has spoken briefly to the Sharks about another season in the NRL before fulfilling a desire to play in France.
Graham first spoke of his French dream in The Daily Telegraph on March 7 last year.
“I have had initial chats with Catalans,” Graham said. “They have actually had me flagged since the story you (Daily Telegraph) did two years ago.
“They know I’m off contract and did ring me about a month ago.
“I told them it (playing in France) was in my future plans. It hasn’t progressed much further than that but it’s still on the cards.
“I’m still looking into it and it’s definitely somewhere where I’d be keen to finish. My partner (Karianne Lafrance) has a French background.
“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.”
Lafrance is Quebec-born and was raised French-Canadian. She can apply for Australian citizenship next year, an honour the couple don’t wish to jeopardise by shifting overseas in 2023.
“If she stays another year then she can apply for citizenship so there are a few hurdles to jump,” he said.
“I have had one conversation with ‘Fitzy’ (coach Craig Fitzgibbon) and ‘Moons’ (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.
“There are a lot of moving pieces but I doubt it (shifting to France) will happen next year.”
Graham has been learning French in recent years.
Catalans already boast Mitchell Pearce with Roosters prop Sio Siua Taukeiaho expected to join the club, which reached last year’s grand final, in 2023.
And proving last year’s success was genuine, Catalans have won ten from 13 games this year and sit second on the competition table behind reigning premiers, St Helens.
Graham has been chosen in the backrow for Cronulla’s important game against Sydney Roosters at PointsBet Stadium this Saturday night.
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