With a massive game of milestones upon us, it's time to take a look at five things not to miss ahead of the Dragons' Round 21 clash against the Gold Coast Titans.
#Graham400
Despite hailing from a crazed soccer town and with no rugby league background, there was only one sport James Graham wanted to play.
It was watching players like Anthony Mundine and Nathan Blacklock that first inspired a young Graham to go against the grain of the Merseyside and kick an oval ball instead of a round one.
Since debuting in the Super League in 2003, Graham hasn’t stopped playing rugby league, not even for injury. While the front row is physically the most demanding position, Graham has played each year for the past 16 seasons in an incredible feat of endurance.
- 400 to 1. Graham's first coach reflects on his career
- Graham's bizarre take on Australian foods
- Take a look back on Jammer's career in the Red V
- Ever wondered what baby James Graham looked like? Click here
The Dragons have plenty planned for #Graham400 at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium, Kogarah, including a #Graham400 playing card so make sure you secure your seat here.
Graham's NRL success never in doubt
Liverpool to Kogarah
Since making his first grade debut for St Helens while still in school, it wasn’t long before his performances earned him a regular spot in the squad.
In 2006, Graham helped St Helens to a dominant grand final victory in a season where he scored eight tries. Unfortunately for Graham, this would be the last time he achieved premiership success despite playing six further grand finals.
In 2008, Graham won the Man of Steel award, the Super League equivalent of the Dally M, before going on to finish his Super League career with 225 matches next to his name.
In 2012, Graham moved to the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and had no trouble adjusting to the NRL. Jammer helped the Bulldogs reach the grand final in his first year in Australia, quickly becoming a fan favourite for his passionate on field displays.
After notching 135 appearances for the Bulldogs, Graham signed with the Dragons for the 2018 season, playing a further 40 first grade matches and cumulating in his incredible 400th match this Saturday.
Aitken 100th
All eyes will be on Graham when he runs out for his 400th on Saturday, but Dragons centre Euan Aitken also notches a career milestone playing in his 100th NRL game. Watch Euan talk about playing his 100th alongside Graham.
Aitken debuted for the Dragons in 2015 and has been a regular in the top squad ever since. Growing up on the far south coast playing for the Merimbula-Pambula Bulldogs, Aitken is a graduate of the Dragons' National Youth Competition team and has played his entire career under the Red V.
Ford's four leads to debut
Fresh off scoring four tries in a brilliant performance in the Canterbury Cup last week, Jackson Ford will make his NRL debut this Saturday.
Ford has been one of the standouts of the Dragons' Canterbury Cup side this year, making nine Team of the Weeks and currently is tied as top try scorer for the entire competition with 13 tries.
A Gerringong Lions junior and Illawarra local, Ford was the Dragons' Under-20s Player of the Year in 2017 in what was his first season in the competition.
Making his feat even more impressive was the fact he missed the first six games of the year. Keep a keen eye on Ford as he gets his first taste of the NRL.
96 – 24
The Dragons need to score just four points to tally a century against the Titans in three games.
The Dragons thrashed the Titans 42-16 in Round 23 of the 2017 season, before outdoing that score on their next encounter winning 54-8 in Toowoomba last year. Keep in mind the Dragons' lofty point scoring record against the Gold Coast.
Norman honoured to be nominated for Ken Stephen Medal
Plenty to play for
The Dragons aren’t short of motivation for Saturday's clash against the Titans, with 501 games of milestones to celebrate.
Graham, Aitken, and Ford all will be determined to ensure the Dragons sing the team song at the end of the 80, and will be even more fired up to do it in front of a home crowd at Kogarah.
Grab your tickets so you don’t miss the match here.
