NRL Judiciary: Titans’ Ryan James could miss derby against Broncos

TITANS enforcer Ryan James could miss Friday’s derby against the Broncos unless he decides to fight a grade one dangerous contact charge.

CANBERRA, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 26: Ryan James of the Titans is tackled during the round four NRL match between the Canberra Raiders and the Gold Coast Titans at GIO Stadium on March 26, 2016 in Canberra, Australia. (Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images)

IN-FORM Titans prop Ryan James is set for a date with the judiciary in a bid to play in Friday’s local derby against the Broncos.

James was hit with a grade one dangerous contact charge from Saturday’s comeback win against the Raiders in Canberra.

James, who was captaining the Titans in the absence of Nathan Friend and William Zillman, tackled Raiders winger Jordan Rapana following a 20m restart and appeared to twist his right leg in the process.

Rapana reacted by pushing James but the incident went unnoticed by the on-field referees.

Because of a poor record, James is facing a one-match suspension regardless of whether he enters an early guilty plea or fights the charge and loses at the judiciary.

The Titans will advise the NRL of their decision on Tuesday. Coach Neil Henry said James had been an integral part of the Gold Coast’s early-season success.

“Ryan James has been very good for a few weeks now,” Henry said. “The Broncos are a very good forward pack. We need our big men going forward.

“Luke Douglas hasn’t been getting the minutes he normally does but his quality on the field has been very good. Coming off the bench he’s really added. He’s been strong with his carries and doing a good job defensively.

“At the moment there’s a bit of depth around the squad, particularly the forwards, which is a good thing.”

Ryan James will be a big loss for the Titans.

Friend (head knocks) is expected to return to the team for the Broncos clash after sitting out the Raiders game as a precaution.

Five-eighth Tyrone Roberts is racing the clock to be fit though after suffering a knee injury against the Raiders. Initial indications suggest Roberts’ injury isn’t serious but Cameron Cullen, Greg Bird and Daniel Mortimer are options to fill in if needed.

“He’s a lot better than he was after the game,” Henry said of Roberts.

“The swelling has gone down and he’s walking around OK. We can’t get a scan done until (Tuesday) but I’d say he’d be very doubtful for Friday night. It’s disappointing. He’s been very good for us and is a big part of our kicking game.

“Cameron Cullen is playing good footy for Burleigh and we’ve got Birdy who likes to play there too so we’ll wait and see.”

The Titans are unlikely to appeal a $5000 fine for briefly fielding 14 players against the Raiders.

Veteran prop David Shillington was the extra player who left the field because of some quick-thinking teammates.

“I got on the field and Ash Taylor and Zeb Taia screamed at me to get off because Tyrone was still on,” Shillington said.

“It disadvantaged us. I left a gaping 15m hole where I ran off around the posts. If they (Raiders) just ran where I went off they probably would have scored. It might have been a really sad story if Ash and Zeb weren’t alert.”

Henry said Zillman was a chance of returning from a calf strain but could make his comeback through the Intrust Super Cup.

Frank-Paul Nuuausala is tackled by Ryan James.

Meanwhile, Raider Frank-Paul Nuuausala has also been charged for his last-minute brain snap in Saturday’s match but will not miss any game time if he takes the early guilty plea.

The big forward hit James from behind in the dying minutes of the clash, leading to a penalty which eventually handed the Titans a win.

Dragons backrower Joel Thompson will escape a ban with an early plea for a grade two careless high tackle on Penrith’s Will Smith

At the Bulldogs, Chase Stanley is also free to play in round five if he takes an early plea on his dangerous contact charge against Souths’ Kyle Turner.