Roosters winger Phil Graham has been named on an extended bench for his side's 2010 Telstra Premiership Grand Final against the Dragons at ANZ Stadium on Sunday.
Coach Brian Smith's only changes to the side which thumped the Titans 32-6 in the Premilinary Final last Friday night were to an extended bench with eight players named (four to be dropped). The other newcomers to the bench this week include Nick Kouparitsas, Tom Symonds and Lopini Paea.
Graham, who missed the Preliminary Final with a small tear to the pectoral muscle,took part in his first contact session today and is in a race against time to take his place in the decider against St George Illawarra.
"I did a little bit this morning in the gym, just on the wrestling mats, it wasn't too bad so hopefully it pulls up good tomorrow," said Graham.
"I've done some running and done some tackling ... during the tackling it went pretty good so it's not sore or anything now but I've just got to wait and see.
"It feels pretty good, I've got all my range back and all my movement."
The former Canberra back will need to convince coach Brian Smith and the Roosters medical staff of his fitness in simulated match conditions later this week.
But Graham, who suffered the injury in the 34-12 semi-final win over Penrith, isn't building his hopes too high of running out at ANZ Stadium with a Roosters side attempting to become the first to win a premiership the year after a wooden spoon since 1934.
Sydney Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Joseph Leilua, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Sam Perrett, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Nate Myles, Mitchell Aubusson, Braith Anasta (c). Interchange (from): Martin Kennedy, Jared Waerea- Hargreaves, Daniel Conn, James Aubusson, Nick Kouparitsas, Tom Symonds, Lopini Paea, Phil Graham.
Coach Brian Smith's only changes to the side which thumped the Titans 32-6 in the Premilinary Final last Friday night were to an extended bench with eight players named (four to be dropped). The other newcomers to the bench this week include Nick Kouparitsas, Tom Symonds and Lopini Paea.
Graham, who missed the Preliminary Final with a small tear to the pectoral muscle,took part in his first contact session today and is in a race against time to take his place in the decider against St George Illawarra.
"I did a little bit this morning in the gym, just on the wrestling mats, it wasn't too bad so hopefully it pulls up good tomorrow," said Graham.
"I've done some running and done some tackling ... during the tackling it went pretty good so it's not sore or anything now but I've just got to wait and see.
"It feels pretty good, I've got all my range back and all my movement."
The former Canberra back will need to convince coach Brian Smith and the Roosters medical staff of his fitness in simulated match conditions later this week.
But Graham, who suffered the injury in the 34-12 semi-final win over Penrith, isn't building his hopes too high of running out at ANZ Stadium with a Roosters side attempting to become the first to win a premiership the year after a wooden spoon since 1934.
Sydney Roosters: Anthony Minichiello, Joseph Leilua, Kane Linnett, Shaun Kenny-Dowall, Sam Perrett, Todd Carney, Mitchell Pearce, Jason Ryles, Jake Friend, Frank Paul Nuuausala, Nate Myles, Mitchell Aubusson, Braith Anasta (c). Interchange (from): Martin Kennedy, Jared Waerea- Hargreaves, Daniel Conn, James Aubusson, Nick Kouparitsas, Tom Symonds, Lopini Paea, Phil Graham.
