Ryan James shelves retirement plans after Titans captains’ latest comeback bid gets up and running
Ryan James, who has not played since injuring his knee 14 months ago, has shelved retirement thoughts and the Titans skipper will play on in 2021 if he can secure a new deal with the club.
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Titans captain Ryan James has opened contract extension talks with the Gold Coast after being buoyed by a key milestone in his comeback from a third knee reconstruction.
The Sunday Mail can reveal James has shelved retirement thoughts and will play on in 2021 if he can secure a new deal with the Titans.
James has not played a game since his right knee buckled in the Gold Coast's Round 6 win against Newcastle in April last year.
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His comeback this year was shattered when the anterior cruciate ligament in the same knee snapped during a training session in January, ruling James out of the entire 2020 season.
At 28 and off-contract at season's end, James flirted with the idea of retirement as he confronted the mental toll of a third 12-month recovery, having suffered his first serious knee injury in 2011.
But he received a boost in spirits this week when he ran for the first time in six months and has set his sights on playing in 2021.
“I was umming and ahhing six months ago," James said.
“After that run it is definitely on the front of my mind now. Once I started running and watching the boys train it definitely lit that fire again.
“I’ve been around a while but I’m ready to go again. The body is feeling fresher than it ever has.
“I’ve started initial talks with the club. I thought I’d get it underway now I’ve started running.
“They said there is going to be something there for me. I just want to make sure I’m ready to go around and see how it goes.
“I know that in everything I do I give it 100 per cent and make sure I have a go. I’ll start talking to them more seriously in time.
“The Titans is all I’ve ever known. Hopefully it will be positive."
James is a sports business degree graduate and does not have a manager, instead opting to conduct his own contract negotiations.
The Titans' club captain faces a hefty pay cut to remain at the Gold Coast after not playing for two years, but he is confident he can find the form that took him to the cusp of NSW Origin selection in 2018.
After undergoing hamstring grafts for his first two knee operations, James opted for a quad graft this time and has been amazed at his recovery.
While the COVID lockdown delayed his rehabilitation, James believes he will be ready to hit the paddock when the Titans begin their 2021 pre-season.
"I’m feeling pretty strong," he said.
“It’s been a totally different rehab program with the quad graft. With hamstring grafts you’re always tentative around your hammy.
“Last year I tore my hammy trying to take off my shoe. I’ve been a lot more comfortable getting around.
“Once you start running everything feels normal again. If everything goes to plan I will be ready to start pre-season."
James is the Titans' longest serving player, having debuted for the club in 2010 and boasting 144 NRL appearances.
Coach Justin Holbrook appointed Kevin Proctor as team captain this season following James' injury and star lock Jai Arrow said it was crucial for the Gold Coast to retain their leader.
"I really hope the club keeps Ryan," Arrow said.
"He's a massive part of the Titans and he's been one of their longest serving players.
"He does a lot for the club behind the scenes as well and the players really respect him, so it's important they hold onto him."
Titans CEO Steve Mitchell was reluctant to discuss re-signing James, but said he was an important part of the club.
“Ryan’s been an extraordinary one-club player and a great captain," he said.
"He does great community work and is a Gold Coast local. We will take that all into account.
“He has been training the house down and wants to get back on the paddock and compete. He is a good guy and important to the club’s culture and who we are.
“We’ve started conversations and we’ll let those roll as we plan for 2021.
“There are a lot of reasons why we would keep Ryan at the club. That is going to be a conversation between both parties and hopefully we end up in the right spot."