JAMES Graham has spoken about the 'special bond' that has drawn him back to St Helens from Australia.

The England and Great Britain forward will fly back from Sydney on Monday to prepare himself for Saints' return to Super League action against Catalans Dragons on Saturday, August 2.

Fans' excitement is growing to see Jammer wearing the Red Vee again for the first time since 2011, with the club today revealing he will have the number 32 shirt on his back.



 

After eight full seasons in the NRL with Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons he is now less than a month away from playing alongside the likes of James Roby, Jonny Lomax and Tommy Makinson again, while his pal and ex-teammate Paul Wellens is still around as an assistant coach.

“When you come through as a youngster with other players you have a bond," said Graham.

"And it’s a pretty special feeling to play alongside lads that you played with at places like Blackbrook or Thatto Heath Crusaders, and all the lads you played in the academy with.

"I’m not from St Helens but I kind of feel all those lads there consider me as one of their own.

"Obviously that bond is pretty special and hard to replicate. That doesn’t mean to say I haven’t bonded with players from Canterbury and St George, but that’s something that’s pretty special.

"When I get home I know there’s obviously been a tremendous amount of change at the club, changed probably 20 to 30 times since I’ve left but there is a few lads there that I came through with and got to share some special moments with that I’m looking forward to playing alongside again.”



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