Graham not taking Origin chance on home turf for granted
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Wade Graham has been around the game long enough to know opportunities like next Wednesday's Holden State of Origin decider on home turf don't come around too often.
Graham was a 13-year-old about to come through the Panthers' junior development system when the Blues last successfully hosted a series decider at ANZ Stadium in 2004.
They've let a further two opportunities slip in front of the NSW faithful in 2008 and 2013 and are focused on getting the job done this time.
"It's such a wonderful opportunity in front of us," Graham said on Tuesday at the Blues' team photo session at North Bondi.
"We did a good job in Perth to keep the series alive. As a rugby league fan, it's what it's about, Origin and grand finals… that's what you play for.
"It means so much to everyone. It's one of the biggest events in Australian sport."
Fittler condident Cleary will play, Klemmer on standby
Graham and Blues teammate Blake Ferguson are the only players remaining from before the Brad Fittler era who are yet to taste a series win after a combined 13 games between them.
The memories of the Maroons clinching the shield in Queensland has not been lost on Graham, who was part of the dreaded finish to the 2017 campaign after the Blues lost the series after going 1-0 up.
"It'd be a dream come true, when you're young and a league player you watch Origin and are inspired when the Blues win," Graham said.
Match: Blues v Maroons
Game 3 -
home Team
Blues
away Team
Maroons
Venue: Accor Stadium, Sydney
"It helps drive the passion and love for the game as a kid. I'm the biggest Blues fan there is. I was six years old watching it with my dad.
"I grew up with a house of girls so me and dad used to get banished to the back room.
"The opportunity to play at home with the series on the line. Hopefully we're good enough to keep the shield in NSW."
Graham's inclusion is one that neither the Blues or the Sharks co-captain saw coming before the series commenced.
Now, just four games since returning from an ACL rupture, he now looms as the side's X-Factor after his Origin II heroics when Nathan Cleary was struck down by injury.
"For me personally I'm just grateful to be back in this arena after the last nine months I haven't been playing," Graham said.
"I probably put a line through Origin to be fair, I was just worried about coming back from my knee and putting in some good performances for Cronulla and trying to find my feet there.
"Now there's an opportunity for us to experience it for our self."
