FORMER Saints skipper James Graham is delighted to be back playing on home soil again and will pack down against France at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday October 24 (2pm).

The last time the Canterbury Bulldogs prop played in England was in the heartbreaking 2013 World Cup semi final defeat against New Zealand.

That day, Graham trudged off the Wembley turf disconsolate after a late Kiwi try robbed England of an Old Trafford finale against Australia.

He played in the Four Nations Down Under last autumn, and is raring to go ahead of the three-match test series.

The flame-haired front rower said: “International Rugby League is what every player wants to be involved in at the end of the season.

“It’s been a tough year for me and quite a few of the lads in camp but that all gets put to one side when you represent your country.

"Playing at this level against France and New Zealand not only excites me but many other people who come together to get behind their country.

“The noise levels seem to go up a few notches at these games, everyone wants to be a part of the big events.

"We’re playing a strong France team who will give us a good test and the current best team in the world in a three-match series, the quality of Rugby League on show is going to be amazing.”

Graham, capped 25 times for his country and has been part of the England and Great Britain camp for nine years now, has played in Grand Finals in England and Australia and some of the best stadiums in the world during tournaments.

“The four venues that have been picked for this series are perfect, me and the boys really enjoy playing at places like Leigh Sports Village because the fans love the game there, you can hear them all the time,” said the 30-year-old.

“I remember watching the Olympics in 2012 and seeing Mo Farah win gold. The fans in the stadium that day nearly screamed the place down! We’ll put in a good performance against the Kiwis when we go there to match Mo’s and Team GB so the crowd can do the same for us. English spectators make so much noise at games, it really gives us a boost.

“There’s massive appetite for the big games over here. I was at the Super League Grand Final the other week and I couldn’t believe the atmosphere and show that the sport put on, it was impressive.

"It’s not long to go now until it’s our turn to put on a show, I know plenty of fans will be there to pack out those stadiums and cheer us to a series win.”

England’s international schedule kicks off at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday October 24 (2pm) with a match against France.

The three-game series against New Zealand starts at the KC Stadium, Hull on Sunday November 1 (5.00pm) moving on to The Stadium at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in London on Saturday November 7 (2.30pm). The series concludes at the DW Stadium, Wigan on Saturday November 14 (1.00pm).

Tickets for England v France at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday October 24 (2.00pm) cost from as little as £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and £22.50 for a family ticket. Please visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or call the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.

Tickets to the three-game New Zealand series cost from £22 for adults and £10 for concessions per game. A three-match package costing just £45 for adults and £22.50 for concessions is also available.

To purchase tickets please visit www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or call the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.