Anthony Laffranchi is proud of the way he has filled the boots of James Graham and is now hoping to emulate the St Helens legend by reaching a grand final in his first season with a new club.

The 30-year-old former Wests Tigers and Gold Coast player was signed by coach Royce Simmons 12 months ago as a replacement for Graham, who ended his nine-year stay at Saints to try his luck in the NRL with the Bulldogs.

The England prop has been an instant success at Canterbury, playing a key role in their run to Sunday’s grand final, and Laffranchi is hoping by then to have clinched a place in the Super League grand final.

Saints take on Warrington in the second semi-final at Langtree Park on Saturday evening aiming to reach Old Trafford for the seventh consecutive year.

Laffranchi relished the chance to help plug the gap created by Graham’s departure.

“There’s probably a bit of pressure filling James’ boots but, as a player, you want to test yourself,” he said.

“I said from the beginning I wasn’t going play like James Graham, I’ll play like Anthony Laffranchi and bring my aspects to the game.”

A place at Old Trafford was a distant prospect six weeks into Laffranchi’s first season in England when Simmons was sacked with Saints sitting outside the top eight.

But they turned their fortunes around and have typically hit their straps with the finishing line in sight.

Meanwhile, Laffranchi will be keeping a close eye on the NRL grand final and is hoping he and Graham can pull off a memorable double.

“That would be great,” he said. “We could probably trade shirts if we both come out victors.

“He’s turned it around over there. The Bulldogs have had a fantastic year, definitely off the back of some of the things that James has been doing with their forward pack.

“I wish him all the best for this Sunday and I think they’re a fair chance. They might just surprise everyone.”