A highly-anticipated documentary on rugby league legend Mark Graham will be released in cinemas in New Zealand and Australia in November.
Named the New Zealand Rugby League’s player of the century in 2007, the now 68-year-old former Kiwi captain was the first New Zealander inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in 2018.
Now Graham, who coached the One New Zealand Warriors in 1999 and 2000, is centre stage in ‘Sharko’, a feature documentary written, directed and produced by his son Luke who also produced ‘Broke’ in 2016.
‘Sharko’ is described as “a feature documentary about enigmatic New Zealand rugby league legend Mark ‘Sharko’ Graham, and his filmmaker son, Luke. In his prime, Mark was the best rugby league player in the world. Known for his size, speed, skill and toughness, he was a predator in a sea of sharks. Mark changed the sport and carried his teams and country to the doorstep of greatness, while remaining a mystery to his biggest fan, his son.
“Luke tells the story through the in-depth lens and skewed perspective revealing a shared personal history scarred by pain and loss. As he learns more about his father’s past, both the hardships and the glory, he comes to a realisation about the man he idolised above all else.”
'Very honoured to be the first New Zealander ' - Graham
The documentary includes interviews with Graham Lowe, Wally Lewis, Steve Roach, Hugh McGahan and Paul Vautin.
‘Sharko’ recently had its world premiere at New Zealand’s Doc Edge film festival to sold out audiences and festival acclaim.
“The documentary has been a labour of love for many years and I am excited it’s finally inching closer to showing my celebration of dad’s life and career… but to be honest, I’m also a little nervous,“ said Luke Graham.
‘Sharko will have red carpet premieres before its cinema release in both Australia and New Zealand in November with dates to be announced soon.
- Graham's outstanding playing career included 29 Tests for the Kiwis from 1977-1988 - an at-the-time record 18 as captain - plus almost 150 appearances for the North Sydney. Named the Dally M second rower of the year in 1981 and 1982, he also represented Auckland including the historic grand slam of wins against Australia, Great Britain and France in the space of 21 days in 1977.
