Graham penned an article that was published on the Dragons website on Monday in response to heavy criticism from Peter FitzSimons over comments the Englishman made last week.

In his response, Graham detailed his research into head injuries & Latimore said he hopes rugby league players would speak up on important topics more often.

"Honestly, I think players should speak up more," Latimore said. "I know some of the reaction from it's been really positive and really good. 

"It gives you a bit of an insight into how some of us as players think and feel. 

"James is obviously known for being a brute and a tough man on the field, but he's actually a very intelligent and articulate man.

"I don't think he was happy with how he felt his character was assassinated. He's come out, made his points, he wasn't rude to Peter, he just said how he felt as well as offering solutions for a sensitive issue in the game." 

To many outside observers, Graham can seem like a hard-headed Englishman. Latimore understands this perception, because he admits he also held those beliefs prior to joining the Dragons.

But as the article showed, Graham is a deep thinker on the game's biggest issues and Latimore said this is reflective of the wider rugby league playing community.

A director of the Rugby League Players Association, Latimore has first-hand experience of the many passions players pursue outside of rugby league.

Read more: The Illawarra footballer who proved doctors wrong

"Rugby league's a small part of our life. A lot of us do study and do other things.

"I know fans would love it if more players were able to come out and speak what they're feeling. We are passionate about a number of things that go on in our game and in the world. 

"It could be the start of something, James could be the leader in a new wave of journalism."

Latimore's comments came as the Dragons flew to Brisbane on Tuesday ahead of their Thursday night clash with the Broncos.

Facing an 0-3 start to the season, St George Illawarra will welcome reinforcements in the form of Korbin Sims, who has finished his two-game suspension.

Coach Paul McGregor has opted to use Sims off the bench, with Blake Lawrie retaining the starting lock position. Josh Kerr has made way for Sims, just a week after making his NRL debut. 

Sims inclusion is the only change McGregor made to the side, with the coach standing by his embattled spine.

Sims' older brother and Dragons teammate Tariq said the team must tighten up their defence if they are to defeat Brisbane.

"We're zero from two at the moment and our backs are against the wall," Sims said. "We've got to make sure we're on our toes.

"We need to fix our defence. We're leaking way too many points. Everyone's goal is to defend their goal line and unfortunately we've been dripping a few too many points."

"It's no secret we're down on troops, Korb's injection with his experience in the game will definitely help. I think when he comes on the field, he's going to be really excited."

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