Bulldogs legend James Graham has launched a stunning attack on Andrew Davey, claiming the Parramatta forward was 'embarrassed' by a rookie in pre-season.
The 31-year-old played just two games for Canterbury after signing this year on a multi-year agreement, before moving back to the Eels and becoming a regular fixture in the back-row under Brad Arthur.
In an interview with News Corp released over the weekend, Davey took aim at the staff and culture at Belmore, claiming the mentality of head coach Cameron Ciraldo was 'not his cup of tea' after moving from Manly.
However, there may be more to the story according to Graham, who played in two grand finals for the Bulldogs and is a part-time staff member at the club.
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Bulldogs legend James Graham fires back at Andrew Davey
Speaking on Triple M during the network's Sunday radio coverage, Graham slammed the comments from Davey as sour grapes and revealed the real reason behind his departure.
“I don’t like going after players – but Andrew Davey has put himself in the firing line," the retired Englishman said.
"He played two games… he came over from Manly this season, and has come out and basically criticised Cam Ciraldo and the Bulldogs’ culture.
"I think the truth needs to come out in that situation – Andrew Davey came to the club thinking he was gonna play every week, and he got outworked by a 21-year-old called Jacob Preston and he embarrassed him.
"That’s why Andrew Davey isn’t happy, is because he came under the pretence of ‘I’m gonna play first grade every week’ and a 21-year-old put him in his place.
"He couldn’t get in the team, he kicks his toys and he pisses off to Parramatta. You didn’t like it because you weren’t getting picked… he has shoved it up your arse, see you later."
Davey has played 12 games for the Eels since making the mid-season switch, and the comments from Graham come just days after fellow club great Willie Mason took aim at sections of the playing group for their 'soft' attitude.
Canterbury have won just seven games all season in Ciraldo's first season, with the recent revelation of a player walking out after a training 'punishment' creating plenty of negativity around the once-proud organisation.