Gold Coast Titans forward Ryan James hopes to live his lifelong dream this season, by pulling on a New South Wales State of Origin jersey. But he knows to get there, he must continue to show good form at club level.
Speaking on NITV’s League Nation Live, James said talk of an Origin jersey means nothing if he is not performing for the Gold Coast.
“No one goes to sleep and thinks, no, I don’t want to play Origin. I’ve dreamed of it ever since I was a young kid growing up in the Tweed.
“Unfortunately I missed out on City-Country recently, due to injury. I’ve played in that game before and it’s a great game to be in and it's good to be in that spotlight as well.
“But I’m happy to play for the Titans at the moment and get us back on the right road.
“When your footy is doing the talking at club level, it goes a long way”.
Whilst James remains an outsider for an Origin berth, the forward revealed he is in constant contact with New South Wales coach Laurie Daley.
Ryan James on the charge during the round one NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Newcastle Knights. Source: Getty Images
“There are a handful of us that went down at the start of the year for the Emerging Blues camp and we sort of keep in contact now and again.
“He sends texts just to let you know how you’re going and what parts of your game he needs you to work on. So I’ve just been doing that and trying to work hard at club level".
James has long been touted as a future Origin player, but for now that label has gone unfulfilled. But having seen the likes of Greg Bird pull on the NSW jersey, James badly wants a taste.
“I really want to step up to that next level. I watch people go there and when they come back to club level they just have this aura about them.
“I want to be one of those players in the future”, James said.
Ryan James of the Titans celebrates with try scorer David Mead during the round five NRL match. Source: Getty Images
