Canterbury Bulldogs prop James Graham keeps quiet ahead of return from 12-match suspension Bulldogs forward James Graham is keeping quiet ahead of his return to the NRL after serving a 12-match suspension for biting. Picture: Mark Evans Source: The Daily Telegraph HE opened his mouth in last year's grand final to bite Billy Slater's ear but James Graham's lips were sealed yesterday. Graham declined to be interviewed by the media ahead of his anticipated return to rugby league in Friday night's match against an injury-depleted Wests Tigers at ANZ Stadium. The English prop, 27, was suspended for 12 games following last year's decider. Graham's marathon ban included three Tests for England, two trial games and seven NRL games. While Graham was absent, his Bulldogs have struggled, winning just two games this season. While Graham has been named for Friday night, fellow prop Sam Kasiano remains sidelined with a leg injury. Kasiano and Graham haven't played a game this year. James Graham latches onto Billy Slater's ear in the 2012 grand final. Picture courtesy Channel Nine Source: No Source "James has trained really hard and is a quality player," said Bulldogs coach Des Hasler. He has a great work ethic and brings a lot of momentum and enthusiasm. The biggest wrap we can give him is that players want to play alongside him. There is no doubt Canterbury have missed Graham's creativity so far this season. He will add a new dimension to the Canterbury side. "They have missed him more than anyone," former Test prop Steve Roach said. He did a stupid thing but he has served his time so let's get on with it. The others have tried to be ball-players but this bloke is a genuine ball-player. He has been the missing ingredient. He is an old-fashioned Pommy ball-playing forward who actually knows what he is doing. I like watching him play. And ex-Bulldogs forward Paul Langmack added: "He is a five-eighth in a front-rower's body. He's got good foot work and gives the Bulldogs another dimension in attack. Another fan of Graham is former Bulldogs forward David "Cement" Gillespie. "Certainly the Bulldogs have missed him," said Gillespie. He was a key factor in the club's charge into last year's grand final. The incident in the big game was unfortunate but that's now in the past. Canterbury need James back and firing. Once Kasiano returns, things will really start to look good again for the Bulldogs. Canterbury's season improved last weekend with a 24-8 win over Cronulla in Gosford. The Dogs will start $1.16 favourites against the struggling Tigers ($5.25), according to TAB Sportsbet. Canterbury have won their past four games against Wests Tigers.