Ryan James is on the verge of a belated Origin debut following Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s injury
REAGAN Campbell-Gillard’s injury has ruled him out of the rest of the Origin series and opened the door for Titans skipper Ryan James to make a belated Origin debut.
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LUCKLESS Titans skipper Ryan James is on the cusp of a long-awaited Origin debut after NSW enforcer Reagan Campbell-Gillard suffered a jaw injury on Friday night.
Penrith prop Campbell-Gillard will be sidelined for up to six weeks after fracturing his jaw against the Roosters — catapulting James into the selection frame for Origin II next Sunday at Sydney’s ANZ Stadium.
Queensland legend Paul Vautin has called for James to be given his maiden sky blue jumper, while NSW coach Brad Fittler praised the Titans captain as he discussed his front-row contingency plan.
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James was left shattered just a fortnight ago when he was initially chosen in NSW’s 20-man squad, only to be told at the last minute he would not be required to fly to Sydney to enter Blues camp.
The 26-year-old has been knocking on the Origin door for three years and Vautin, a former Maroons back-rower and coach, believes James is the perfect replacement for Campbell-Gillard.
“I’d love to see Ryan James get a shot,” Vautin said.
“His form has been good and he is one of the most improved players in the comp. He used to be the most penalised forward in the game but he has cut out a lot of those penalties, he is going great.”
Fittler, commentating for Channel 9 on the Panthers-Roosters clash on Friday night, agreed with Vautin, lauding James’ footballing brain.
“Ryan James is very smart with his work,” Fittler said. “He does the little things well in defence and he scores tries as well. He’s a very clever footballer.”
Titans coach Garth Brennan is adamant the 111kg bookend, a veteran of 128 NRL games, is ready for a NSW Origin baptism.
“There’s not much more Ryan can do (to play for NSW),” Brennan said.
“Ryan plays big minutes and he is honest. I’ve heard Brad Fittler say he is a smart footballer and he is, he knows the game well and where he needs to be.
“He wouldn’t let the Blues down.”
Originally published as Ryan James is on the verge of a belated Origin debut following Reagan Campbell-Gillard’s injury