Official Wade Graham

[El Coconuto]

I actually think Graham is the perfect candidate to extract the better part of Porter's game. He doesn't need time on the ball like Baz does to make things happen (a critical reason the Baz/SFP combo never worked).

Even so, I'd be very tempted to play Kelly/Graham together. It's a good thing I'm not coach I guess

 

[ben]

Is there going to be an announcement today?

http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/wade-graham-to-join-sharks-20100723-10o9l.html

 

[Google News]

Wade Graham to join Sharks

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=...ade-graham-to-join-sharks-20100723-10o9l.html

Wade Graham to join Sharks
CHRIS BARRETT
July 23, 2010 - 3:40PM

Cronulla have received some good news after a week the club would rather forget, with the promising young Penrith playmaker Wade Graham to join the Sharks from next year.

Graham, 19, had been weighing up offers from the Sharks and North Queensland after the Panthers were unable to retain him, focusing instead on keeping hold of the likes of Michael Jennings, Michael Gordon and Frank Pritchard.

In a major boost for the Sharks, he has agreed to relocate to Toyota Stadium, with his manager Mark Stewart telling Cowboys chief executive Peter Parr that the youngster had knocked back a move to Townsville.

The key signing is timely for Cronulla, coming just a day after captain and five-eighth Trent Barrett confirmed he would be retiring at the end of the season.

It is a bright end to a tumultuous week for the club.

It began with a flogging last Saturday night at the hands of Manly, a humiliation that was followed just a day later by coach Ricky Stuart's decision that he would not see out the season.

Replacement Shane Flanagan will take charge for the first time when the Sharks visit Canberra tomorrow night.

The beleaguered club is also hoping to soon confirm the signing of Dragons backrower Jeremy Smith, while Panthers winger Brad Tighe is also reportedly close to switching from Penrith to the Sutherland Shire.

 

[Christo]

I hope its true. Come on sharks website annouce it!!!

 

[Sharky Pete]

That'll be a brilliant signing if we can get Jeremy Smith as well.

We'll have a cracking team next season.

UP UP CRONULLA!!!!

I won't be believing it though until we get the official announcement on the club website

 

[Ibanez]

Great to see some confirmation about a player. I realise not everyone here thinks much of Graham, but I see a bright future ahead of him.

 

[Lumpy]

Wow if that is true, you beauty!

 

[BlackWhiteBlue]

as much as everyone disses tim smith, him n graham could possibly team up pretty well IMO. But time will be the teller of the story i spose. At the end of the day, they have nothing to lose, Sharks are lucky to avoid the wooden spoon 2 years running now, with a few key changes to the roster, and a new coach, a good solid off season of drills n plays will be the most important thing ever.

Brad Tighe would be a great signing also, seems like he can play well and doesnt have a huge head on his shoulders like some of the current Sharks wingers (not pointing any fingers) But id rather Gordan sign

 

[Shark68]

Wade Graham signed with us today

 

[moruya shark]

Finally some good news.. very happy with this signing I think he will bring a lot to the club !

 

[WillyInBris]

The thing I like about this signing is that its a young guy not a over the hill player of yesterday.

 

[camo]

yes if thats true im happy

 

[camo]

best news iv heard for a while

 

[El Coconuto]

Rad signing! :borat

 

[Murphy]

phew source was right

 

[SHARKSTER]

Excellent news. Up Up Cronulla

 

[Bizzy029]

so has he signed the dotted line? Panthers players have a habit of agreeing then fleeing.. And Luke Lewis was giving Graham advice right?

great if he has signed though.

 

[Google News]

NRL playmakers get on the merry-go-round - Brisbane Times

Source: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=...s-get-on-the-merrygoround-20100723-10oh4.html

NRL playmakers get on the merry-go-round
STEVE JANCETIC
July 23, 2010 - 5:09PM

<EDITED>

Barrett's departure has created a vacancy at the Sharks, and it appears the opportunity to assume a leadership role at the club and the proximity to family and friends helped sway 19-year-old Graham to link with Cronulla over an offer from North Queensland.

Manager Mark Stewart said a final decision would be announced after the weekend.

"We were hoping to have it done today but they were travelling to Melbourne at lunchtime and he'll be away with the team in Melbourne this weekend," Stewart said on Friday.

"So he thought it best that he didn't interrupt the team and he'll have a decision on Monday."

Once regarded as the brightest prospect to emerge from the Penrith area since former Australian Test skipper Brad Fittler, Graham's capture is a massive boost for the Sharks who have been left reeling this year by the departure of coach Ricky Stuart, chief executive Richard Fisk and now Barrett.

 

[ben]

awsome - great first week flanno!

 

[SharkLabelSociety]

Nice.

Can he play 7 with Kelly? If not, what's our ideal halves pairing for next year?

I admit I know sweet FA about Graham.