Sharks skipper's emphatic vaccination message

Cronulla Sharks favourite Wade Graham has made an emphatic call to all corners of the game to get vaccinated against COVID-19.

Graham, who is one of the leading figures behind the NRL's 'Let's Tackle This Together' campaign, has been fully vaccinated for over a month and is imploring players, staff and fans to roll up their sleeves and get the jab.

The Cronulla captain was born and raised in Blacktown, one of Sydney's LGAs of concern, and says inoculating against the virus is the only way forward for Australia.

"I've been fully vaccinated for a month now," Graham told WWOS Radio on 2GB.

"Getting vaccinated was an easy decision for me and my family.

"The NRL now are starting to begin their policy and asked me to be a part of the vaccination (campaign). I was all for it.

"I don't really see another way out for us at the moment. All the medical experts and professional opinion is saying this is our way out.

"I'm 30 years old now, but since I was a kid I've always gone to medical professionals and taken their advice. And after that advice, I've always gotten better.

"Now that in a grown man, I don't think I'll be changing or going away from that advice and that's how I feel about it – and I'm more than happy to be a part of it."

Graham's call follows echoes that of former teammate and good friend Paul Gallen who said players must step up and do their bit for the country or risk professional sanctions.

"The quickest and easiest way to fix it (get players vaccinated) is to tell the players they can't play. Take away the possibility of playing the game they love, and most will have a re-think," Gallen said in his weekly column.

"If that doesn't work, the clubs might need to look at financial penalties in player's contracts. It's as simple as that.

"We can sugarcoat it all we want, but if you tell the players they can't play if they're not vaccinated, they'll be getting vaccinated.

"There's always going to be that very small minority who hold out for different reasons. But as soon as you link it to their ability to play or earn money, I guarantee they'll change their minds quick smart."

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