Josh Graham to make Storm debut

Josh Graham only made the switch from rugby union to rugby league six months ago. Yet the former Queensland Reds player is poised to make is debut for the Melbourne Storm this Saturday against the Canterbury Bulldogs at Olympic Park.

With Matt King, Billy Slater and Cameron Smith unavailable due to State-of-Origin commitments, an obviously delighted Graham says he has achieved one of his pre-season goals.

?Yeah, I?m looking forward to it, I can?t wait,? said Graham.

?I was hoping to be selected around State-of-Origin time. I knew there would be a few players missing and thought it might be my best chance for a game this year.?

Graham, who was a former Australian schoolboys, under-21 and Sevens representative, switched to rugby league having been frustrated at his lack of opportunities at the Reds.

His rise from Queensland Reds squad member in the Super 12 competition to starting centre for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL has been a rapid one. However, Storm coach Craig Bellamy believes Graham is ready for his debut.

?Josh has made steady progress since switching from the Queensland Reds to league,? said Bellamy.

?He?s had some great games for Brisbane Norths and has scored some fantastic tries in recent weeks. He is also very strong defensively which you need to be in the NRL.

?He?s been waiting for his opportunity to come and with the State-of-Origin players not available this weekend, his chance has arrived.?

The seeds to Graham?s switch to the Melbourne Storm were planted five years ago at a schoolboy carnival when he was approached by manager of football operations, Peter O?Sullivan.

?We always thought he was more of a rugby league player?, said O?Sullivan.

?He is a strong defender and he can carry the ball. We have been really happy with his progress.?

Josh will make his debut against reigning premiers the Bulldogs this Saturday afternoon from 5:30pm at Olympic Park, Melbourne.