Titans’ Ryan James focused on GOld Coast’s NRL season ahead of his burgeoning reputation

RYAN James is trying to block out the hype, including suggestions of a NSW Origin call-up, surrounding his strong start to the season.

GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 16: Ryan James of the Titans is tackled during the round seven NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the St George Illawarra Dragons at Cbus Super Stadium on April 16, 2016 in Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

RYAN James is trying to block out the hype, including suggestions of a NSW Origin call-up, surrounding his strong start to the season.

The Titans enforcer has hit the ground running, leading the way for the Coast’s pack.

He was again the Titans’ standout in Saturday’s 19-14 loss to the Dragons, topping the game’s tackle count with 50 and putting in the hard yards with 20 runs for 153m.

But the 24-year-old is adamant he still has plenty of room for improvement, claiming he was responsible for letting Jack de Belin through to score in the 31st minute.

“I just want to work on my game and make sure I am doing my part for the team,” he said.

“When the team is doing well, I’ll be happier.

“As soon as the Titans are playing some good footy and winning some footy, we’re going to be a force to be reckoned with. Once we get the mixture right, we’re going to be true competitors.”

James said he felt he had to step up in Saturday’s slugfest due to the absence of fellow forward Greg Bird, who missed through suspension.

“Missing a player like that in a game like that … we need Greg in that situation,” he said.

Ahead of a clash with the big Bulldogs forward pack next Saturday at ANZ Stadium, James faces his own anxious wait for results from the NRL match review committee, after he was put on report for a crusher tackle on Josh Dugan.

Originally published as Titans’ Ryan James focused on GOld Coast’s NRL season ahead of his burgeoning reputation