Legendary St Helens Player James Graham Reveals Coaching Offer from Kristian Woolf

St Helens Icon Considered Coaching Role after Illustrious Playing Career

St Helens icon James Graham has disclosed that he was presented with an opportunity to remain at the club in a coaching role alongside Kristian Woolf after his illustrious playing career concluded in 2020.

Graham’s illustrious playing tenure at St Helens culminated with a dramatic Grand Final victory over Wigan Warriors in an empty stadium, secured by a late try from Jack Welsby. Following his retirement, the seasoned prop has since returned to his native Australia and established himself as one of the game’s preeminent pundits, in addition to hosting his own podcast, “The Bye Round.”

In a candid conversation on his podcast, Graham revealed that former St Helens head coach Woolf had approached him about staying on as an assistant coach for the 2021 season. Graham, who had harbored ambitions to transition into coaching prior to his media work, admitted that Woolf’s offer did “turn his head.”

“I went home and talked to the family. I did that and it was shut down. I’d made a promise we were going to go for six months and come back, and unfortunately that didn’t happen. But it was an amazing period.”

However, Graham noted that the idea of staying in England was quickly dismissed after his family expressed a desire to return to Australia. As he explained, the opportunity to join Woolf’s coaching staff at St Helens ultimately did not come to fruition, but Graham’s insights provide a glimpse into the potential next chapter of his storied career in rugby league.

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