NRL premiership winner Ben Ikin says Titans captain Ryan James can overcome third knee reconstruction

Titans captain Ryan James will today begin plotting his path back to the NRL and a former premiership winner insists the devastated forward can return to the peak of his powers.

TITANS captain Ryan James will today begin plotting his path back to the NRL and former premiership winner Ben Ikin insists the devastated forward can return to the peak of his powers.

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On the comeback trail from a second knee reconstruction, James’ long-term playing future became clouded on Friday after suffering another potentially season-ending anterior cruciate ligament injury at training.

The 28-year-old, whose 2019 season came to an end when he ruptured his ACL in Round 6 against Newcastle, will now revisit specialists today to get a full diagnosis on the injury, his treatment and recovery.

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James’ last appearance in the NRL was on April 21 last year and the earliest he could return to the top level would be March, 2021, if he is ruled out for the season.

While there are genuine fears a third major knee operation could present a giant hurdle for the Titans’ incumbent skipper to overcome, Gold Coast-raised Ikin believes James has all the qualities required.

Titans captain Ryan James will revisit specialists today to get a full diagnosis on his knee injury. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Now 42, the 17-game Queensland utility and 2000 Broncos title winner was forced to retire in 2003 following two knee reconstructions but is confident James won’t be consigned to the same fate.

“Overcoming (another) ACL requires a fair bit of intestinal fortitude and Ryan James has got it,” Ikin said.

“I’ve known Ryan for several years and not only is he mentally tough but he’s also highly intelligent - a good combo when you’re trying to work your way through a difficult and complex rehab.”

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Off-contract at the end of the year, James will not get a chance to present his case for a new deal, leaving the Titans in a difficult situation with their longest-serving player.

The father-of-two underwent reconstructive surgery on his left knee in 2011 and missed most of the 2014 season because of shoulder issues.

While he is well prepared for life after football after completing a business degree and recently starting his master of business administration, James said he was struggling to come to terms with his latest setback.

“It is obviously pretty devastating, after all that hard work, time away from the team and time off the field to be back to square one again,” he said.

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“I was looking forward to playing again and being part of a good year with the Titans after a really good off-season. Now I will be missing that as well.

“It was more a shock than anything. I had been really cautious and deliberate with every part of the rehab, and I was really happy with how it had responded.

James at pre-season training with the Titans. Picture: Jerad Williams

“I was at the stage where I was not even thinking about the knee anymore at training. It was moving freely and I felt really confident in it. It just felt back to normal.

“When it happened, there was a bit of pain, but not the same as the last time it went. It felt different, so I was hopeful it might have been a different issue. But the scans came back with the worst news.

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“I will be back to see the specialists on Monday for more scans and to discuss what my options are from here. Once we find out what needs to be done, I can get to work again.”