James Graham has once again shut down rumours that he will be involved in a future England rugby league set-up but backed a surprise name to land a role.
Graham’s name has been circulated in reports and has also been suggested by pundits with many touting the most capped English rugby league player to take on some form of coaching role.
It had been suggested that Graham could work in support of Sam Burgess with current head coach Shaun Wane’s future under review after a disappointing 3-0 series loss in the Ashes.
The former St Helens and NRL man has recently thrown his support behind Shaun Wane and when asked about a possible role in camp, said: “It would be scary because what happens if I like it?”
One week later and he has now shut down those talks all together, labelling his Bye Round Podcast co-host Charlie White a “muppet” and telling him to “shut up” when the suggestion of Graham coaching England was suggested.
That came after Graham put forward a different name with the pundit suggesting former rugby league man and current rugby union coach Andy Farrell.
James Graham backs Andy Farrell for shock rugby league return
Farrell made his name in rugby league as part of the Wigan Warriors set-up but made the switch to rugby union, before eventually coaching in the sport after retiring.
He’s become the head coach of Ireland and also led the British and Irish Lions on their series win in Australia earlier this year but Graham has suggested Farrell return to rugby league, even if it’s in an advisory role within the England set-up.
Talking about the current uncertainty amid England, Graham said: “On England and Shaun Wane’s future, I’ve been thinking about a person to bring in, not just for coaching but for credibility and the reach and impact that he would have.
“Andy Farrell. Bring him back. Bring him in, bring him back.”
One of Graham’s arguments was the pull that Farrell would have in terms of possibly attracting rugby union fans, as well as Farrell’s knowledge of both codes.
“Could you imagine what that would do for English rugby league,” asked Graham.
“I reckon people would want to watch, the rugby union fans going “Andy Farrell is going back to coach England”, or to help with England
As it stands, Shaun Wane’s future will be determined from an internal review with RFL chief Nigel Wood recently telling the BBC that there was no need to “expedite” the process and that findings could be expected in “two or three months”.
Wood did confirm that Wane is contracted to lead England into next year’s World Cup, set to be held in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Check out the latest episode of The Serious About Rugby League Show on our YouTube channel here.
