Mate, we’ve got this

IT’S the move that is being touted as the catalyst for two Gold Coast juniors to rediscover their very best NRL form.

Despite the arrival of another backrower at the Titans in Bryce Cartwright this month, Ryan James’ shift out to second row on the left edge is still set to get the green light.

That will position him sideby-side with maligned fiveeighth Kane Elgey, who coach Garth Brennan has guaranteed first shot at the No.6 jersey.

Teammate Jarrod Wallace recently revealed how desperate the incumbent captain had been to switch from the front row and James explained to the Bulletin that his desire largely revolved around the chance to reunite with Elgey.

“I was always a left edge so it is exciting to get back out there,” he said.

“The last time I played out there was with Kane. We had a pretty good season together.”

That year was 2015, when Elgey burst on to the scene as a huge talent.

However, since then the Tugun Seahawks product has missed an entire season through injury before battling for form in both attack and defence last year to draw the ire of fans.

Though James soldiered on tirelessly last year, he did so

with lessened impact as his State of Origin dreams took a backward step.

The 26-year-old admits he may have to stay in the front row in the early rounds this season while the likes of Wallace (suspension) are sidelined but he believes he can be an 80-minute second-rower and form a dangerous combination with Elgey.

“Me and Kane are good mates – we feel as though we work well together,” James said.

“As soon as we started playing grade together we had a weird connection where we just sort of knew what to do together.

“It’s just one of those ones where we’re good mates and we’re always looking out for each other and if one of us needs to be chipped on the shoulder, he’ll let me know and I’ll let him know.”

The Titans are today expected to name a 23-man squad for their trial against Brisbane in Toowoomba.