Graham tells of his fear, faith and his football

Press, 11 November 1983, Page 17

Graham tells of his fear, faith and his football

“He’s the best rugby league player in Australia, that bloke,” an Australian journalist said, in a manner which would brook no argument, as he watched Mark Graham all but lead New Zealand to victory over Australia at Brisbane 17 months ago. British observers were to agree. After the Kangaroos had fashioned an unbeaten record in Britain and France,the English magazine, “Open Rugby,” named 12 Australians and Graham in its “World XIII.” In spite of Graham’s

leadership qualities and exceptional skills as a loose forward, Australia escaped defeat at Lang Park last year when the replacement, John Muggleton, forced his way across for a late try.

But Graham went on to achieve something of a minor rugby league miracle by captaining the unfashionable North Sydney club to the Sydney championship play-offs. He had good reason to look forward to the 1983 season at both club and international levels.

However, injuries were to allow Graham only eight games for Norths and less than one full test for New Zealand. He was severely concussed early in the Sydney season, suffered pulled thigh muscles soon after his return, and then damaged medial ligaments during the home encounter with Australia. Norths, without Graham, was never a serious championship challenger. Desperate efforts to recover his fitness for the second test at Brisbane in July came to nothing and he was forced to withdraw from what was to be one of this country’s greatest test triumphs.

A man with less spirit might have considered retirement, or a change of scene. Not Graham, who has signed oh for another season at Norths after rejecting an offer from the powerful Hull club in Britain. Graham has given his future much thought. He told the Australian “Rugby League Week” that he would like to finish his career with a couple of seasons in England, and his long-term ambition is to coach New Zealand. “I don’t want to be working after I’m about 40. There is a lot of things I’ve given up to be a footballer — fishing for example — and I want some time to do those later on. I haven’t set any football retirement date, but it’s taken me a long time to get to the top and I want to stay there for a while," said Graham.

There are no hidden sides to Graham’s character, and he probably shocked some of the tough characters who have felt the force of his tackles when he openly told “Rugby League Week” of his fears and faith.

Graham had never been keen on flying even before the occasion, some years ago, when he was crossing the Tasman to join the Kiwi squad in Auckland. The flight was hit by an electrical storm, the aircraft was buffeted about the sky, and Graham admits he was paralysed by fear and unable to respond when the textile salesman next to him turned, offered his hand and said .goodbye. Happily, the future Kiwi captain, the textile salesman and all of their fellow passengers survived the experience. Reflecting on the injury

which prevented him from: leading the Kiwis to victory over Australia, Graham said that his problems had been compounded by unemployment.

“I had quit my job. Suddenly everything just fell in a heap, and you have to have something. Religion gives me strength and a faith in myself — and you need that to play football at this level,” he said. Now 28, Graham is looking to the future with confidence. He has a new job, and the extension of his contract with Norths. Graham was genuinely delighted with the performances of the younger Kiwis last season, and is eager to regain his test position next winter. It will be with a positive attitude that Graham approaches his 1984 commitments.

By.

JOHN COFFEY