Mackays Riley James helps Australia claiming a second world open title in New Zealand

Mackay softballer Riley James has helped Australia bring home its second world open title during fierce competition in New Zealand.

Mackay softballer Riley James playing for Australia at the Junior Mens Softball World Championship in Canada.

Mackay softball superstar Riley James has returned from the biggest tournament of his life, helping Australia to bring home an open men's world title.

For 20-year-old James, his selection into the men's senior side for this year’s WSBC Men’s Softball World Championships almost seemed inevitable after a stellar junior career where he claimed a world title in the under-19s and captained the Australian under-18 men's team.

Mackay softballer Riley James when he played for Australia at the Junior Men's Softball World Championship in Canada.

James was one of the youngest in the Australian side and looked to his previous experience to help in the quest for a second world title, beating Canada 5-2.

“Having a little bit of experience in what it takes to win a world series championships helps a little bit going into it,” James said

The talented batter found his spot in the side, saying he looked to two men – Nick Shailes and Adam Folkard – in particular as the team entered the finals

“It was pretty surreal getting to play with them,” he said.

“It's still pretty surreal.

“You don't expect that to happen to often in your life.

“To get one (a world title) at such as young age is awesome”

James is now one of the most decorated softballers in the country.

Since making his first state team at the age of 11, James has progressed through the junior ranks almost without blemish.

James Riley in action in 2014. Photo: Nev Madsen/The Chronicle

“All dreams are achievable if you keep working hard towards it,” he said.

James is now focused on winning a national title for Queensland at the Under-23 and Open National Championships before turning his attention to the Under-23 World Championships.