Aquis Gold Coast Titans star Ryan James has today re-signed with the club, for a further three seasons, through until the end of 2020.
Despite a number of clubs registering interest in the 25-year-old, staying with the Titans was always his main priority.
The Bilambil Jets junior made his NRL debut back in Round 14 of season 2010 and has gone on to play 93 NRL matches, 25 of which came in 2016 when he appeared in every match for the Aquis Gold Coast Titans. He has also scored 21 career tries, 12 of those coming last season which is a new record in a season for a prop forward.
During a stellar 2016 season, James also took out the Paul Broughton ‘Player of the Year’ award after he ran for 3044 metres, made 972 tackles, had 54 tackle-breaks and made 10 line-breaks.
James said he is happy that his future has been sorted.
“I’m glad we’ve been able to get it all sorted and over the line,” James said. “It’s all come to an end point now and I get to be at the club that I love for the next four years.
“I love the Gold Coast, I love playing for the Titans, and my family love that they can come and watch the majority of my games, so that all went into this decision.
“They talk about becoming a one-club man and there is potential for it now. I’ll be 29 at the end of this contract, so hopefully I can achieve that and be the person that everyone aspires to be.”
Coach Neil Henry is pleased that James has chosen to extend his stay with the club.
“Ryan is a key member of our playing squad and I’m extremely pleased that he has committed to the club for a further three years,” Henry said.
“He is a member of the leadership group, a terrific trainer, an asset on the field and someone that the younger guys look up to. They are all important attributes we want in our senior players here at the Titans.”
Titans CEO, Graham Annesley, believes the retention of James is another indicator that the club is once again viewed as a formidable force in the NRL.
“Retaining Ryan despite very serious competition for his signature, and on top of other recent signings demonstrates that some of the best players in the game believe in this club and its future potential,” Annesley said.
“Ryan is not only a great player, he’s a great person, and a wonderful ambassador for everything that is good about our game,” Annesley concluded.
