James moved down from Lismore just a week before the season started, and admitted he'd been worried about the move but quickly made himself at home.  

“Luckily I’d done my pre-season up there and never had mates play in this league and didn’t know anyone so I was a bit worried but that was it,” he said. 

“It’s been really competitive and really strong and I’ve really enjoyed it mate, it’s been similar to what I’ve played up in Lismore and on the north coast and Queensland footy but it’s been enjoyable.

“The competition’s pretty similar, not too much difference – it’s the same level, same quality of players, guns in every team.”

He said he certainly wasn’t expecting the award. 

“I had one of our Outlaws boys Pete Grundy pegged for it mate, he’s been plugging away with a few runners-up over the past few years and unfortunately he’s missed out again,” he said. 

“I’ll definitely back next year, lock it in for next year.”