Wade Graham’s favourite rugby league memory? Hearing the full-time whistle in the 2016 grand final.
The toughest he played with? Sharks legend Paul Gallen.
His funniest teammates? A blanket finish between James Maloney, James Segeyaro and Jason Bukuya.
And the biggest hit he was on the end of? That would be one from Frank Pritchard back in 2011 which still gives him nightmares.
“Had Franky done that today, he would have copped ten weeks,” Graham said.
Graham will be given a hero’s reception when he runs on to PointsBet Stadium on Friday evening, three days after announcing to a small group of family and friends he would retire from the NRL at the end of the season.
Retiring Shark: Wade GrahamCredit: Jessica Hromas
The 32-year-old was still in two minds when he boarded the flight from Perth to Sydney last weekend, but made up his mind during the week and was at peace with his decision.
A move to the Super League is not completely off the cards – the south of France and a gig with Catalans Dragons has always had appeal –but Graham also has an eye on what is shaping as a promising media career.
In the meantime, Graham is intent on banking two more points against an under-rated Gold Coast side and helping the Sharks go all the way.
“I only decided to retire this week after there was talk about having a dinner for my 250th – all my friends and family and ‘Flanno’ [premiership-winning coach Shane Flanagan] and past players were there, so it was the perfect opportunity to get on stage, look everyone in the eye and thank them for what they had done for me,” Graham said.
Wade Graham carts the ball up last week against SouthsCredit: Getty Images
“I knew I had to make a decision either way, and if I wasn’t going to play, I needed to start to work out what I would do moving forward.
“I only spoke to my partner about the decision. I didn’t speak to anyone else or any other player for any validation. I was happy with the decision in the end.”
Another fun fact about Graham was he had the chance to join South Sydney in time for the 2015 season, the year after the Bunnies won the competition, only to stay loyal to Cronulla and ultimately win a premiership with the Shire club two years later.
Graham became just the third player at Cronulla to reach 250 games for the club last weekend behind Gallen and Andrew Ettingshausen.
The one-time Penrith playmaker transitioned into the forwards and was loved by players and fans for his work ethic and commitment. He represented NSW and Australia with former Prime Minister and proud Sharks fan Scott Morrison once declared Graham his favourite player.
Cronulla coach Craig Fitzgibbon said of Graham on Thursday: “The one premiership this club has won, he was involved with that and was a huge part of that season and his whole 13 years here.
“It’d be hard to think that he hasn’t been one of the club’s most important recruits in its history.”
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