Gold Coast captain Ryan James has agreed to terms with the Canberra Raiders, but he has to pass a medical before they seal the two-year deal.
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It would be the Raiders' second signing in a matter of days, having announced Canterbury Bulldogs second-rower Corey Harawira-Naera on Friday.
He'll arrive next week on a two-and-a-half-year deal if he gets through all the Apollo Project biosecurity protocols.
James is currently recovering from his second knee reconstruction in two years, having torn his anterior cruciate ligament in January.
The 29-year-old was on the verge of making his State of Origin debut before his knee problems began, when he was 18th man for the NSW Blues in 2018.
He played for NSW Country in 2013 and 2015, and has played for the Indigenous All Stars on five occasions.
James was off-contract at the end of the season, but looks set to make Canberra his next home.
He would form a fearsome front-row pairing with Queensland enforcer Josh Papalii, who is arguably the best prop in the game.
It's another boost to the Green Machine who are currently suffering an injury crisis, especially in their middle forwards, and are set to lose England international John Bateman to Wigan at the end of the season.
They've lost middles Sia Soliola (face), Emre Guler (ankle) and Corey Horsburgh (foot) so far this season, and have also had their depth weakened following the departures of Luke Bateman, JJ Collins and Jack Murchie.
Raiders recruitment boss Peter Mullholland said any player was a risk regardless of their injury record.
"It's pending a medical examination and we've agreed to terms," he said on Saturday.
"Every player is a risk. If you didn't sign a player with an ACL you wouldn't sign [Dally M Medallist James] Tedesco.
"It can freshen a player up. He has a lot of ability, he's just had a wretched two years.
"He gives us that experience and leadership. Whether he's a regular starter, who knows."
The Raiders were considering signing Brisbane Broncos prop Ethan Bullemor on a loan deal for the rest of the season, but they've decided to withdraw from the deal.
David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
