St. Helens legend James Graham has made the move from St. George Illawarra in the NRL back to Saints in the Super League and has signed a short-term deal that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2020 season.

He joined St. Helens' academy at the age of eleven and went on to make 265 professional appearances and score 53 tries in his previous time at the club.

He made his debut with Saints in 2003 before departing to join the Canterbury Bulldogs in 2011. He then made the move to St. George four years later.

He has also been a key figure on the international stage, making a total of fifty appearances for Great Britain and England.

'Delighted to be returning home'

On the announcement of his signing, Graham spoke to saintsrlfc.com about how happy he is to be returning to St. Helens:

"I am delighted to be returning home.

“St.Helens has been a huge part of my life since I was a young boy. An opportunity to re-join the club I have watched from the stands is something I feel genuine excitement about.

“I want to thank the Dragons and everyone in the NRL for everything they have done for me and making this all possible. A massive thank you to Eamonn McManus, Mike Rush and Kristian Woolf for their help in making this move happen.

“I still believe I have a lot to offer on the field and I am excited about the rest of the season with St.Helens.

“I can promise the fans that I will give everything for the badge to help bring us the opportunity of success.”

Woolf 'Looking forward to working with him'

When the move was announced, St. Helens Head Coach Kristian Woolf spoke about how Graham's experience will be very important for the club:

“I followed James’ career in the NRL closely as well as on the International stage. Given his profile and what he has achieved in the game, as an opposition coach, he is a player you make notes on and try and stop.

“His work rate and aggression is something I really like as well as his presence on the field. His experience is second to none and his leadership is something which will benefit, not just our younger blokes, but the whole group.

“He has real character and there are not many players who have played over 400 grade one games. What I have liked is his enthusiasm and desire to come back here and to be a part of our group.

“I am looking forward to working with him once our season resumes and seeing the positive influence he is sure to have.”