James Graham slams Lachlan Lam for 'disgraceful' act that warrants suspension

Rugby league legend James Graham has ripped in to Lachlan Lam for committing one of the worst acts of play-acting he has seen. Graham did not hold back as he fumed at the incident, which took place while the Leigh Leopards star was featuring for Papua New Guinea in the Pacific Championships.

The incident took place during the Kumuls' victory over Cook Islands, with Lam winning a penalty after being 'tackled late' after kicking the ball.

However, Graham was furious with Lam's actions and sounded off on his Bye Round Podcast, stating that Lam deserved to be suspended for what he believed to be a blatant example of simulation.

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"I'm doing my best not to swear but it was the worst decision I've ever seen in my life," Graham said. "Lockie Lam, that was beyond embarrassing. It was disgraceful. Greg Alexander said in the commentary the penalty should have been reversed and I agree; he should have been sent off. It was disgraceful play-acting.

"Lam has kicked the ball, the Cook Islands players has come to put pressure on, turned his back then Lockie Lam has jumped into the Cook Islands player, literally jumped, fallen back and got a penalty."

Graham added: "I'm so p***** off about it, it was disgraceful, he should be suspended for it. This game has no room for simulation, faking, play-acting or mimicking. I've been involved in some incidents where people can go 'you can talk', our game has got no place for certain action and no place for that. I can't believe the referees were fooled, it p***** me off beyond belief."

Lam captained Papua New Guinea in the game due to the absence of Rhyse Martin. The halfback has proven to be one of the Super League's top performers over the last two years and recently turned down an offer from Hull FC to re-sign with the Leopards where his dad, Adrian, is head coach.

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