I will make Sharks injury return: Graham
Sep 4, 2017 - 11:12 AM In a major boost to Cronulla's NRL title defence, recovering backrower Wade Graham has declared himself a certain starter for Sunday's elimination final against North Queensland.The fifth-placed Sharks had been sweating on the return of Graham (calf) and centre Jack Bird (shoulder) as they prepared to become the first team in 24 years to claim back-to-back premierships.
No team placed fifth or lower have won the title in NRL history.
But Cronulla will be backing themselves to defy history after Graham gave himself the green light and tipped Bird to also make an injury return against the Cowboys.
Graham missed last round's 26-18 win over Newcastle while Bird has been sidelined the past month.
"I am good to go," Graham told Fox Sports' Monday Night with Matty Johns.
"I just need a bit of rest. It has been a good thing for me having the weekend off ahead of the semis."
Asked if Bird would play, Graham said: "He's got a few things to go through but he is pushing to play".
After missing out on a top-four finish Cronulla will begin their sudden death finals tightrope walk against the Cowboys, knowing one slip and their title defence is over.
"We finished fifth so it is a pretty easy equation for us - we either perform or we are on holidays," Graham said.
"Hopefully we can get the results and start getting back to our best footy."
Brisbane were last team to defend a title, way back in 1993.
But Graham believed the Sharks had handled the pressure of being defending premiers well this season.
"We are always confident in the team that we have had," he said.
"There are no bigger expectations than the ones we have on ourselves.
"But it is a different game now. It's the finals."
Graham said Cronulla need not look any further than veteran forward Paul Gallen for inspiration.
Gallen ran 272m, had five tackle busts and seven offloads to inspire the Sharks' last round win over a gutsy Knights.
"Gal led from the front and really took us forward," Graham said.
"We were able to seal the game on the back of him."
While Graham and Bird are expected to play, the Sharks are hoping prop Sam Tagataese (hamstring) also gets the all-clear to face the Cowboys.
Source: AAP
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