Why Ryan James is in State of Origin frame Ryan James at Gold Coast training. ORIGIN bolter Ryan James is the most explosive interchange weapon in the NRL after a scintillating start to the season. James has made 379m and 74 tackles in his four matches this year despite spending only 151 minutes of a possible 320 on the field. The 21-year-old is making more metres per a minute than any other Titans forward and his defensive input is nearly as good. Cowboys hit-man Tariq Sims was touted for NSW selection two years ago but James has passed him as the young gun in coach Laurie Daley's plans. James is in the sights of Country selectors for the April 21 City-Country clash and the Indigenous All Stars representative said he would one day love to pull on the sky blue jersey. "I do want to push for a Country spot this year," he said. You hope for those sort of things and it'd be great to get that. I'm just trying to play good club footy and for the team. If that comes, it comes. If it doesn't, I won't be disappointed. One day (playing Origin would) be great (but) I just want to get some footy under my belt this year. I haven't played a full year of NRL yet. It'd just be good to get a season under the belt and in further years to come I can pull on that Blues jersey. It's been a monumental comeback for James, who struggled through last year as he recovered from a knee reconstruction. He played just three NRL matches last year but the lengthy rehabilitation has primed him for an assault on opposition forward packs. The Titans are looking to lock him up on a long-term contract despite his current deal running until the end of next year. "I've still got another year to go (but) I love the Gold Coast," James said. If opportunities arise (to re-sign), we'll see how we go. I'd love to stay on the Goldy. Coach John Cartwright has slowly been upping James's game time as he becomes more accustomed to the speed of the NRL. He has played 25 first grade matches and is feeling comfortable in a star-studded forward pack. SuperCoach guru Tom Sangster gives his advice on who to buy, hold or sell ahead of round five.