Ryan James happy to be back as leadership shows

It will take about four weeks, but after that the Canberra Raiders prop says he'll have put any hesitancy about his knee behind him.

James slotted seamlessly into the Green Machine, scoring a try on debut in the 30-12 victory over the Wests Tigers on Sunday.

It was his first NRL game since 2019 and he noticed the faster pace due to the six-again rule.

The 29-year-old had two knee reconstructions since then and also had one in 2011.

He said it took a little while to get rid of the worry.

"You try to get it out of your mind, but it's always going to be in the back of your mind for a couple of weeks," James said.

"I've been through it before. I did it back in 2011. It sticks with you for about four weeks.

"Once you get through that initial stage and get through a couple of games under your belt everything just starts to fall back to normal ... but I got through it so I was happy."

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James might not have an official leadership role at the Raiders - after captaining the Gold Coast Titans - but he's already had an impact in that space.

Aside from helping the under-20s, who he trained with last year when he first arrived in Canberra, James also played a role in Sebastian Kris earning himself a spot in the top 30.

Kris was on a train-and-trial deal, but impressed so much on the training track he came into the centres for co-captain Jarrod Croker - who's on the comeback from shoulder surgery.

James could see Kris was cruising out in front at times and impressed on the youngster to push himself.

"He was the one who was pushing me. He kind of noticed I was easing off when I was leading the pack for a good week or two," Kris said.

"He told me to challenge myself and break my PBs. Just push myself and put my name out there."

The 21-year-old loved every minute of his NRL return and looked to have scored a try - only for the bunker to overrule it.

Kris saw it as an opportunity to show he was ready to be back on the big stage.

If Croker does return when Raiders coach Ricky Stuart names his team on Tuesday to face the Cronulla Sharks at Kogarah Park this weekend, then Kris hoped he could earn a spot on the bench.

"I'll just put my head down and work hard," he said.

"Even if I can't make the starting team I'll work hard to maybe even get a spot on the bench.

"Otherwise I'll go back to NSW Cup and just keep working hard. I know another opportunity will arise."

NRL ROUND TWO

Sunday: Canberra Raiders v Cronulla Sharks at Kogarah Park, 6.15pm.