Rising star James Graham is desperate to make another mark for Great Britain and erase the memory of the lowest point of his fledgling career.

The 21-year-old St Helens prop will win his second cap as part of a youthful team in Friday's Frontline Test against France at Leeds.

The Liverpudlian made a big impression on his debut, scoring two tries in a 46-14 win over New Zealand at Knowsley Road 12 months ago, and was called up for the Tri-Nations Series in Australia and New Zealand only to withdraw from the tour with a broken hand.

Graham prefers to draw a veil over the incident, which is thought to have occurred in the wake of Saints' Grand Final victory celebrations, and look to the future under new Great Britain coach Tony Smith.

"I don't want to go into it too much," he said.

"It was a pretty low point for me but I had good people around me to support me. My mates and my family stood by me and helped me through that pretty difficult time.

"For some reason, I wasn't meant to go but I've put that disappointment behind me.

"Fingers crossed, I've got at least another 10 or 11 years in the game so I've plenty of time to make up for that. I can only do that by performing well and not dwelling on the past.

"It's good to be back in the set-up. I'm really excited. This is a good chance for Tony to see how we step up to international level."

Smith has rested a host of established Test players, including front-row forwards Stuart Fielden and Jamie Peacock, who are expected to return for the series against New Zealand in the autumn.

Graham, along with Saints team-mates James Roby and Jon Wilkin, are expected to form the nucleus of the England side for the 2008 World Cup but he does not feel he is yet ready to be included in such exalted company.

"Obviously, Peacock and Fielden have pretty much earned the right to warrant themselves walking into the Great Britain side," he said.

"They are two immense players I've got a lot of respect for. They certainly deserve to be in the team ahead of me.

"Obviously, there is Moz [Adrian Morley] as well so there is a lot of competition for front-row spots, which is only good for us.

"You would imagine they would be automatic choices. I've got to concentrate on playing well in this game and then for St Helens. If Tony thinks I'm playing well enough, I'm sure he'll pick me."

Morley, who will captain his country for the first time on his 27th appearance, will be a key figure as Britain look to combat a physical France pack built around the Super League players from Catalans Dragons.

It would be a surprise if Britain fail to make it nine wins in a row against the French but Graham is warning his team-mates to expect a stern test.

"The Catalans have been playing well this year," he said.

"They have got a lot of Aussie influence but the French guys are starting to show their worth as well. They're a big tough set and a very aggressive side as well.

"I remember as a kid losing to the French Under-15s with an England side and I know how they fire up when they play for their country. Pulling on that French jersey means a lot to them."

Pulling on the red, white and blue is also special for Graham, who will be making up for lost time when he runs out at Headingley.

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