League: England front-rower James Graham relishing atmosphere ahead of semi-final clash with Tonga

Front-rower James Graham trains with the England side at Auckland's QBE Stadium. Photo / Photosport.

Veteran England front-rower James Graham knows Tonga are enjoying overwhelming public support but is still relishing the atmosphere in Auckland ahead of Saturday's Rugby League World Cup semi-final.

The 32-year-old St George Illawarra recruit realises his side will be battling for crowd favoritism with Tonga's ever-growing legion of fans expected to drown England supporters in a sea of red at Mt Smart Stadium.

Regardless of their allegiance, Graham remains excited about playing in front of a passionate crowd, and says Tonga's fanatical supporters showcase everything positive about rugby league and sport in general.

"Most definitely. You look back to the game against New Zealand and the stands were absolutely jam packed, it was a sea of red," said Graham.

"I've only been in Auckland less than 24 hours and you only have to walk down the main street and it's certainly evident to see that Tonga's here to play.

"Their fans are great. It's great to be a part of and I love seeing stuff like that.

"I love the fans getting behind it, I love what our game, what sport, can do for people and how it can excite them."

Dealing with hostile crowds is nothing new for the former Canterbury Bulldogs captain but he expects proud England supporters to make their presence felt, while his side prepares for a grinding contest that could go into extra time.

"(The crowd is) probably not too much of a concern for us," he said.

"It's more about the fans and the atmosphere that they generate.

"Our English fans have been great and very passionate too in the last couple of weeks especially, so we're hoping there will be a fair bit of white and red – more predominantly white than predominantly red.

"For us it's about playing well for 80 or potentially 90 minutes, staying in the moment and not getting ahead of ourselves.

"Games like this take 80 or 90 minutes to win but only a moment to lose so you have to stay focused the entire time you're on the field."

Much of the pre-game talk has centered on the expected forward battle between two big packs but Graham believes the size of Tonga's backline means the physical confrontations extend right across the park.

"It's a World Cup semi-final. Whoever is in front of us we were going to get up for anyway.

"It's going to be hard for us but you hear a lot of talk now about forward packs against each other but I think the game's moved on.

"You look at guys like (centre Konrad) Hurrell and (wing Daniel) Tupou – they'll carry the ball just as much as most of the forwards so every moment, every tackle we have to be up for."