It says a lot about the attitude that's seen him notch more than 400 games of top-flight rugby league, a career that will now continue in a different kind of scarlet and white when he links with junior club St Helens.

The 34-year-old confirmed the move on Tuesday night but, for young prop Josh Kerr, the effort on the training paddock is a reminder of how much he and the rest of the club's young crop will need to step up.

"He shot us a message in the whatsapp group a few days ago and it was a bit of a shock," Kerr said.

"I thought it was bit of a joke at first but he's someone who's done it all and he's earned the right to call time whenever he wants. Over the last few years he's helped me so much, I probably wouldn't be playing NRL at the moment if it wasn't for his guidance.

"It's not just the coming up and talking to me about what I've done, it's how he trains. You guys see how he plays every week and how passionate he is, he brings that to training.

"The way he applies himself at training, the passion and how hard he works is honestly incredible for someone his age and how may games he's played. He earns every bit of respect he has."

Graham's departure has coincided with the belated, but long-predicted, rise of Kerr as a starting prop, with the 24-year-old producing the best performances of his career in back to back wins.

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While he's not planning to fill the Graham void as a solo act, he's looking to continue the momentum in his biggest test to date against a formidable Roosters pack on Friday.

"James Graham is a one of a kind sort of player" Kerr said.

"It's going to be a very big void to fill but I'll do the best I can. Now that Mary's showed the faith in me to start me the last couple of games, I feel I've got to take it on myself to stand up be a leader.

"Even at the start of the year I was coming in and still felt like I was the new kid on the block, last year I was lucky to get a handful of games. Now Mary's giving me that experience as a starting middle I feel like I'm getting more and more confident.

"Not having that worry in the back of my head about 'will I be in this week' has been good, it's helped me build confidence. It was good to get these last two wins, and I did play all right, but we've got the rest of the season to go so hopefully I can continue my growth."

Fellow young buck Blake Lawrie says he's not setting out to be Graham 2.0, but says the veteran's departure means he will need to take his now 44-game career to the next level.

"He's still at training today, he's still being James, he did his extras first thing this morning," Lawrie said.

"Nothing's really sunk in yet but everyone's got to step up because it's a pretty decent hole to fill. I can't just come in and take up everything Jammer's done, he's a 400-game first-grade player and I've just hit the 40 mark.

"Kerry and myself are probably at that time in our career where we need to step up, we've played more than handful of first-grade games now. We need to step up and be a first-grader and not young guys finding our way."