Graham benefiting from Cup exposure
Graham started and scored a try in last weekend’s 34-27 home win over the Wasps – the Falcons battling back from a half-time deficit to start their cup campaign with a victory.
Now facing an all-northern clash against the Sharks at the AJ Bell Stadium, Graham is keen to add some more momentum into a campaign which had a subdued beginning.
“My own season has been a bit stop-start,” said the Scotland international, who has scored 16 tries in 75 appearances for the Falcons.
“I had a calf injury which meant I missed the pre-season games and the first league match, and it’s been hard to get back into the team because we’ve got so many guys playing well in the back row.
“We’ve got huge strength in depth there with guys like Carl Fearns, Will Welch, Philip van der Walt and Callum Chick, who has now gone into the England squad, and a load of other guys in behind.
“We’re all pushing each other on to be better, which is healthy for the club, although you obviously want to be playing. It’s never nice to be left out of a side, but I’d rather be involved with a squad that was winning.”
Enjoying changes on the home front as well as reflecting on rugby players’ situation during the pandemic, Graham said: “I think we’ve been really lucky, to be honest.
“We were still allowed to train when people were locked down, even if it was non-contact stuff in small groups away from the club.
“That ability to see your mates and do something approaching your normal job was absolutely massive for us, and I think we do realise how fortunate we were when you hear stories about people either being locked down or having to work in incredibly high-pressure situations.
“From my own side I’ve got a baby girl now and I’m engaged to be married, so life has changed a lot for me recently.
“Our daughter Tallulah is eight months old now and I’ve got my hands full looking after her, but it’s great be settled and to have all of those things going on at home. I couldn’t be happier, and I know how lucky I am.”
