Many reports linked him with an apparent move to the Brisbane Broncos but in fantastic news for the Gold Coast Titans, Ryan James has re-signed with the club.
Coming off the back of a career-best season in 2016, James was immediately linked elsewhere but has opted to remain with the Titans until the end of 2020.
Making his debut back in Rd 14 of 2010, the Bilambil Jets junior has since played 93 NRL games in his career and scored 12 tries in 2016, a record for a prop.
In the end, James knew that staying at the club he loves and the club that has supported him was the right decision to make.
“I’m glad we’ve been able to get it all sorted and over the line,” James said.
“It’s all come to an end point now and I get to be at the club that I love for the next four years.
“I love the Gold Coast, I love playing for the Titans, and my family love that they can come and watch the majority of my games so that all went into this decision.
“They talk about becoming a one-club man and there is potential for it now. I’ll be 29 at the end of this contract, so hopefully I can achieve that and be the person that everyone aspires to be.”
A key player for the Titans over the last 18 months, he has tremendous value to the side and coach Neil Henry knows how crucial he is for the team and the Gold Coast.
“Ryan is a key member of our playing squad and I’m extremely pleased that he has committed to the club for a further three years,” Henry said.
“He is a member of the leadership group, a terrific trainer, an asset on the field and someone that the younger guys look up to. They are all important attributes we want in our senior players here at the Titans.”
Club CEO Graham Annesley also praised the re-signing and James himself.
“Retaining Ryan despite very serious competition for his signature, and on top of other recent signings demonstrates that some of the best players in the game believe in this club and its future potential,” Annesley said.
“Ryan is not only a great player, he’s a great person, and a wonderful ambassador for everything that is good about our game,” Annesley concluded.