Young lock canters his way into national Marist Colts | Manawatu-Wanganui Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Manawatu-Wanganui

Bradley Graham's rugby celebrations went into extra time yesterday.

The 20-year-old Marist lock, who won the Wanganui crown last Saturday in his first season of premier rugby, was yesterday named in the NZ Marist Colts side for a three-match tour of the South Island next week.

The 1.86m Graham has been one of the real shining lights of premier rugby this winter and was one of the driving forces behind his club's side run to the title.

And the good news for Marist and Wanganui rugby is that Graham, who was a member of the Wanganui High School first XV, plans "to stick around for a while".

"I'm coming to the end of my car mechanic apprenticeship, but I have no plans to leave for a while," he said yesterday.

He is aiming for a rep jersey, but knows he'll need to add a bit more beef to his wiry 85kg frame to survive in the jungle that is first-class rugby.

Marist coach Karl Hoskin wants Graham to fill out by another 6kg and has discussed a dietary programme with his parents.

At the start of the season the Marist premiers were short of a lock when talented Englishman Greg Charlton confirmed he wouldn't be returning this winter.

Graham answered the call with glee and had little trouble making the transition from senior to the premier ranks.

"I was made to feel very welcome. There's a great team spirit in this team."

And didn't it show.