Graham withdraws from GB squad
Noble may call up Paul Wood as a replacement for Graham
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Monday, 16, Oct 2006 10:01
Rising star James Graham has pulled out of Great Britain's Tri-Series battle with Australia and New Zealand with an arm injury.
The St Helens prop, who made his international debut in June against the Kiwis, sustained the injury in the Saints' grand final triumph over Hull on Saturday.
The 21-year-old, who was voted Super League player of the year, could be replaced by Warrington's Paul Wood in Brian Noble's 24-man squad.
Wood is part of an eight-man standby squad that includes Hull duo Lee Radford and Paul Cooke.
Graham's withdrawal follows second row Paul Johnson pulling out of the squad after failing to shake off an ankle injury.
His Saints team-mates Lee Gilmour, Sean Long, Leon Pryce, James Roby, Paul Wellens and Jon Wilkin will fly out to Australia tomorrow following a triumphant season after lifting the Challenge Cup as well as winning the grand final.
Great Britain face a Newcastle Select XIII on Friday in a warm-up match ahead of the tournament.
Noble's side launch their Tri-Series campaign against New Zealand in Christchurch on Saturday October 28th.
Great Britain will have four matches in a bid to reach the final over four weeks and play their second match against Australia on November 4th.
The Aussies began their campaign with a 30-18 victory over New Zealand on Saturday.