Ryan James boosts NSW Origin claims after captain’s knock against Penrith

Ryan James branded the Penrith win a team effort but the Titans skipper was key to busting his side’s four-game losing streak in front of 8,680 loyal fans.

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It wasn’t a good win, it wasn’t even a great win, but Ryan James says edging Penrith was the tonic needed to shake Gold Coast’s sluggish start to the season and repay their fans.

Speaking from a club engagement day at Dreamworld, the Titans skipper shared his excitement in busting a winless start and taking the first steps towards matching the pre-season hype.

“Even though it wasn’t that great of a win, a win’s a win so it’s something to build off,” James said.

Gold Coast skipper Ryan James (left) in action against Penrith in Round 5. Picture: Chris Hyde

“It just showed a bit of courage and a bit of guts from the boys and it was good that everyone went out there and played a pretty good standard of footy across the field. That’s what it takes to win a game.”

The Titans skipper was key to busting his side’s four-game losing streak in front of 8,680 loyal fans.

James pushed his case for Origin selection with 49 post contact metres and eight tackles busts to go with 43 tackles for his best all-round performance of the season.

Ryan James and the Gold Coast Titans celebrate after defeating Penrith in Round 5. Picture: Supplied

His urgency in the second half was crucial, particularly when playing the ball, but the 27-year-old was content to share praise with his teammates.

“Peach (Tyrone Peachey) was excellent … and everyone played a solid game. You need 15 of your 17 playing solid footy each week,” James said.

Much was expected from the side’s representative stars and a 0-5 start would have spelt disaster for coach Garth Brennan.

Gold Coast Titans centre Tyrone Peachey makes a line break against Penrith. Picture: Dave Hunt

Peachey was under particular scrutiny heading into the Penrith clash but the NSW centre delivered with two line break assists, one line break and a try assist in his best Titans performance to date.

AJ Brimson must also be given more responsibility when Gold Coast host Newcastle after adding plenty of zip from the bench in Ash Taylor’s absence.

“AJ’s a class player — when he came on Tyrone took over that lead role and did all the kicking and AJ did all the running. He’s a runner of the ball and that’s what he does best,” James said.

Originally published as Ryan James boosts NSW Origin claims after captain’s knock against Penrith