Ryan James’ time to shine as Gold Coast Titans relaunch against Wests Tigers
TODD BALYM
THE COURIER-MAIL
MARCH 07, 2015 12:00AM

IN a forward pack ripped apart by retirements and drugs suspensions, Ryan James stands as the colossus among the rubble capable of rebuilding the Titans.

Saturday marks the relaunch of the Gold Coast when they host Wests Tigers in front of a predicted crowd of more than 15,000 at Cbus Super Stadium.

Importantly for James, it’s a new beginning in his own career. No longer burdened by playing in the front row, he is back to his preferred left edge and now is his time to shine.

His promising career has not quite reached the lofty predictions of NSW Origin football that were attached to his name three years ago, with repeated injuries stunting his development.

But with Origin stars Greg Bird and Dave Taylor among the five suspended Titans players on drugs charges, James must provide the wide-running impact new coach Neil Henry needs down the left edge.

“I’m expecting him to be one of our forward leaders,” Henry said.

“I thought his showing in the All Stars game was tremendous.

“He had a high workrate but that was in the front-row. Playing on the edge hopefully he can punch out 80 minutes for us.

“He has played a fair bit of back-row when he was younger and he has handled the defensive changes that come with playing out on the edge. He gives us a bit of size on the edge as well. He has gone on the record to say he needs to play consistent club football before that (Origin) becomes a reality.”

Henry was blown away by James’ presence and fitness when he arrived at the club last year, but he played just four NRL games, averaging 34 minutes before his season was ended by a shoulder injury.

It’s become a regular story for James in recent years, how he’s ready to put his latest injury behind him to fulfil his Origin potential. In the five years since he debuted in 2010, he has racked up just 47 NRL games. Tigers front-rower Aaron Woods, whom James played alongside for Australian Schoolboys in 2008, has played 85 NRL games, four Tests and five Origins.

Titans skipper Nate Myles said there were certainly high hopes that James could make a serious impact for the Gold Coast this season.

“Ryan is a fantastic footballer and it’s a credit to his footballing ability and his athletic ability that he can move from a front-rower back out there,” Myles said.

“He probably hasn’t played out there since he was a younger kid and that’s good for him. I think it will probably extend his career, getting out of the middle, so hopefully there’s some big things to come from him. His performance in the All Stars was fantastic and he definitely wants to build from that.”

Myles said the players were ready to make a bold statement against the Tigers after navigating the most turbulent fortnight in club history.

“We need to channel all of our energies and positiveness into performing well against the Tigers,” he said.