Paul McGregor has declared St George Illawarra forward James Graham a once-in-a-generation player as he prepares for his 400th first grade rugby league game.

Saturday’s clash with Gold Coast will mark Graham’s 400th across the NRL and English first-grade fixtures, after making his debut in St Helen’s back in 2003.

Still with another year to run on his contract, the 33-year-old’s game tally goes as high as 445 when counting the 45 Tests he has played for both England and Great Britain.

“He’ll tell you it’s only one more than 399 (first grade games) but we all know it’s a lot more than that and obviously a great honour,” McGregor said.

“A person that he just inspires others. Everyone who plays rugby league has a competitive nature and a good footy IQ and a high threshold for pain.

“But he just takes all that to another level.

“He just helps people around him as well. He’s a gentleman. He’s a once-in-a-generation player.”

The Englishman’s feat comes Cameron Smith brought up 400 games in the NRL last month.

Steve Menzies is another to have passed the 400-game mark in first grade rugby league in recent years, having reached 477 with Manly, Bradford and Catalans.

Speaking to Graham’s durability is the fact he has brought up the honour in the opposite way to most – having started in England and only moving to Australia in 2012.

He won a premiership in 2006 with St Helens but has since played in seven more deciders without a win.

Known for his passion and emotion on the field, Graham has still stood out in a tough year for the struggling Dragons.

His average of 33.3 tackles per game is his second highest mark in eight years in the NRL.

“That’s got him through a lot of the years. His passion and want to fight for every inch,” McGregor said.

“It’s a year we haven’t wanted but he has not stopped fighting. Tomorrow is a special day for him.”