BOUNCE FACTOR

Why Ryan James’ Origin snub is a monster bonus for the Titans

THE heartbreak of Ryan James’ second cruel Origin chop in a month could yet prove the catalyst for the best footy of the Titan’s career.

Gold Coast coach Garth Brennan is adamant yesterday’s NSW snubbing in favour of veteran workhorse Matt Prior won’t get James down in the dumps.

Instead, as proved by his on-off Game One inclusion, Brennan tipped the 26-year-old to breathe fire in the coming rounds of the NRL, starting with the July 1 clash with Wests Tigers.

“I’m feeling disappointed for Ryan and would love to see him get a crack but I’m sure his time will come,” Brennan told the Bulletin.

“You saw how he responded in the next two games (after Origin I). He responded how I knew Ryan would.

“A lot of players would’ve dropped their bundle and had a dummy spit and their form would’ve suffered for a next month – not Ryan James.”

“(James) went out on the field and was our best player two weeks in a row. It shows the mark of the person to be able to respond that way and I have no doubt he will respond that way the next time he plays for the Gold Coast Titans,” Brennan said.

Brennan said the Titans’ lack of success in recent seasons may have played a role in the decision of NSW coach Brad Fittler.

“I’m not sure why Freddy has gone (with Prior), that’s something Freddy would have to answer. I knew Ryan wouldn’t let the Blues down but Matt Prior … has won two grand finals so he probably brings some big-game experience that Ryan doesn’t.

“I’d say to Ryan all he can worry about are the things he can control and what he can control is the way he plays, and if he keeps playing well then the rest will look after itself.”

NSW bolter Prior, 31, will become the fourth oldest player to make his Blues debut.

Blues coach Brad Fittler said the Cronulla prop won out because of his similarity to the injured Reagan CampbellGillard and confirmed Prior would be in the run-on side on Sunday night.