James Graham has opened up on a vulnerable time in his life, pushing for more honest communication around mental health.

He revealed he spent time in a mental health rehabilitation facility last year, speaking up on a deeply personal battle that led to his sudden disappearance from the airwaves during the 2025 NRL season.

The former NRL and Super League enforcer, now a media personality, said the past 12 months had been “particularly hard” as he quietly sought help away from the public eye.

“Not many people know about this… I made the decision to go to rehab,” Graham said on his podcast, The Bye Round.

“When I said I was away on holiday, I was actually a week in a facility for mental health, which wasn't long enough.”

Graham enjoyed a decorated playing career spanning more than 400 first-grade matches with St Helens, the Canterbury Bulldogs, and the St George Illawarra Dragons, before transitioning seamlessly into media with Triple M and podcasting.

But behind the scenes, Graham admitted he was struggling to balance work commitments with his own wellbeing.

“You're supposed to stay there for three weeks, but due to the job, I couldn't disappear for that long,” he said.

“Disappearing for one week was difficult enough.”

James Graham refuses to apologise after brutal sledge
BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 02: James Graham of England looks on during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup Final between the Australian Kangaroos and England at Suncorp Stadium on December 2, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)

Graham said stepping away from the game had seen him slip back into unhealthy patterns, including excessive alcohol use.

“Unnecessary drinking and abuse of alcohol,” he said.

“People talk about balance in life, [but] I don't have that.

“For me, it's just go hard at everything.”

He also revealed a confronting conversation with a close friend had been a turning point.

“He said, ‘Lad, I genuinely worry you've done something when I don't hear from you,'” Graham said.

“To hear your best mate say that, it's eye-opening.”

Despite the challenges, Graham said seeking help had changed his outlook and encouraged him to speak publicly in the hope others would do the same.

“I can't recommend it highly enough,” he said.

“In the week I spent there, I learnt so much and started to see things differently.”

Following the episode, tributes and messages of support flooded in from across the rugby league community, with fans praising Graham's honesty and courage.

Graham said if sharing his story helps even one person seek support, it will have been worth it.