'Go and play Oztag': James Graham responds to concussion concerns

St George Illawarra prop James Graham has a message to anyone concerned by concussions in rugby league: “Go and play Oztag.”

A fresh debate raged on Monday over rugby league Immortal Andrew Johns’ admission that repeated head knocks may have led to his current battle with epilepsy.

The Newcastle Knights great has suffered two seizures over the past three months.

Despite the warning, Graham said he would deal with any potential ramifications from his career as they arrive.

“It’s my life, I’ll do what I want to – well, within certain realms,” he said on Monday.

“What’s the alternative? I kind of like what I’m doing. The consequences of that are sometimes you get hit on the head.

“You’ve got to go and play Oztag if you don’t fancy playing league anymore. But I wouldn’t get paid and I probably wouldn’t have as much fun.”

The England star was monitored following a concussion in last season’s finals series.

But he is well aware of his physical and mental state for a reason – his future isn’t up to chance.

“I do have children and I know the importance of them having a father but I’m protecting myself as best as I can,” he said.

“I’m doing my research and I’m not leaving it to anybody else. I’ve done my research, I’ve had my tests done and I know what’s going on in my head and in my body.

“I’m seeing the appropriate people if there’s something to do about that. I just get on with it and stick to the laws of the game.”

While head knocks were on the agenda, the Dragons will be without State of Origin forward Tyson Frizell following an accidental low blow in their defeat to North Queensland on Saturday.

St George Illawarra could be without Frizell for up to six weeks after he underwent testicle surgery.

Graham said the Dragons had no excuses as they sought to rebound against the Rabbitohs, who are fresh off a win against premiers the Sydney Roosters.

With Jack de Belin stood down and Frizell out, the Dragons are without two of their fiercest defenders.

It’s a position which is compounded by the unavailability of recruit Korbin Sims, who is likely to slot into the No.13 jumper but is still a week away from returning from suspension.

“He’s a huge part of our team and our club and a massive leader for us but the door opens for someone else,” Graham said of Frizell.

“I don’t think we’re going to dwell on it. We’re a better team when he’s playing, like any team like NSW and like Australia.

“It’s just unfortunate sometimes that injuries happen in our sport.”

During the pre-season, coach Paul McGregor spoke about the need to take lessons out of last year’s semi-final near miss against Souths.

Without Paul Vaughan and after losing Gareth Widdop and Tariq Sims during the match, the Red V only lost by a field goal to the Rabbitohs, last year’s best attacking team.

Josh Kerr is likely to come into contention for an NRL debut, although he did get a taste of top-flight football when he ran out for the Indigenous All Stars during the pre-season.

Graham said the Dragons were confident of the next man up getting the job one.

“That’s why we’ve got a squad of 30 players that work hard during the pre-season,” he said.

“The nature of sport tends to suggest you’re going to get injuries, suspensions, etc. We just have to deal with it; we certainly won’t be using it as an excuse, that’s for sure.”

with AAP