James earns starting spot for Broncos trial

iSelect Titans Coach John Cartwright says the club is looking forward to seeing towering prop Ryan James back in club colours after a strong performance for the Indigenous All Stars last weekend.

James showed he had well and truly recovered from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee which ruled him out for the best part of 12 months after producing a strong showing in the Indigenous All Stars’ victory against the NRL All Stars at Suncorp Stadium last weekend.

While the club’s front row stocks suffered a blow on Monday with the news that prop Matt White will miss the remainder of the season with the same injury that James suffered in 2011, Cartwright said he was keen to see James back in Titans colours.

James will start in the front row for the Titans in Saturday night’s second trial match against the Brisbane Broncos at Redcliffe.

“Ryan, having that 12 months under his belt as far as his recovery from his knee injury is concerned, we’re looking forward to getting him out on the paddock,’’ said Cartwright.

“Losing Matty White is a huge blow for us. He’s been a tremendous player for us over the last couple of years and has forced his way into the 17 permanently over the last 12 months in particular so that’s a major loss.

“It leaves us a little bit thin in that front row area, you never like to lose anyone for the whole season, it’s unfortunate for Matt, but that’ll open up the door for someone.’’