Retired star’s cameo sparks NRL comeback talk

Indigenous All Stars coach Ron Griffiths has urged clubs struggling with injuries in the forwards to throw a lifeline to retired journeyman Ryan James.

James, 31, hung up his boots at the end of last season but made a cameo comeback for the Indigenous side in the 28-24 win over the Maori All Stars in February.

Despite not having trained for much of the summer, James was as good as anyone on the field and played a key role in the Indigenous team’s win.

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A veteran of over 150 games with the Titans, Raiders, Bulldogs and Broncos, James would be a great mid-season pick-up, according to Griffiths.

“Ryan is the ultimate professional and has looked after his body for a long time,” Griffiths told Wide World of Sports.

“He showed in the All Stars game that he still has petrol in the tank and he was also great with the young blokes with his experience and wisdom.

“I would recommend him to any club that has an injury crisis in the forwards.

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“It comes down to whether he still has the desire and sometimes a break from the game can do you good – freshen you up.

“Big forwards get better as they get older and he would definitely do a job.”

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