After making his debut last season at just 18 years of age, Campbell Graham has been doing everything possible to add to his five games of first grade footy.
With his HSC exams done and dusted, most graduates his age would be focused on a few things. Schoolies, Schoolies in Bali, even a trip to Fiji. But for Graham, his focus is on something far more important.
“No Schoolies for me, all my mates have been over in Bali and also Fiji and they’ve been sending me plenty of Snapchats and messages letting me know how much I’m missing out,” said Graham.
Campbell Graham“Pre-season’s been good. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else to be honest.”
Graham already enjoyed a trip overseas back in September when he co-captained the Australian Schoolboys to resounding wins over the New Zealand under 18s side in Auckland. Something which resonates well with Graham.
“It was unreal going over to New Zealand and versing them. We played two games over there and we were lucky enough to get wins in both of them. It was a real honour to co-captain that side. Definitely memories I’ll never forget,” added Graham.
The promising teenager is clearly turning heads with those performances. This week he was named by NSW coach Brad Fittler in the Emerging Blues squad to unite in Sydney in January.
Sacrifices and hard work have been paying off for Graham with an increase in body size being one of the most notable improvements. The coaching staff have been the first to notice these improvements, leading them to declare him as the strongest pound for pound player in the squad.
“I didn’t actually know about that until now but there a few blokes who are real strong pound for pound. Damien Cook’s real impressive in the gym,” said Graham.
“For his size he’s a strong little bugger, so is Cameron Murray. We’re in the same group in the gym. It’s a real healthy competition.
Campbell Graham“We try and lift as heavy as we can and go as hard as we can to get the benefits from it.”
Coming through the ranks as a Souths Junior and debuting with the Rabbitohs has given Campbell Graham extra motivation to stay long term with the club.
“It’s made it a lot more special debuting for this club. I hope to stay here for a long time to come.”
No doubt, the coaching staff, players and fans will be thinking the same thing.
