Get to know James

In the course of a wonderful career, James has won a premiership with the Cowboys in 2015 in a memorable grand final win against the Broncos, and captained both Penrith and his current club Wests Tigers.

In addition, he has played 14 Origin games for NSW, 12 Tests for the Kangaroos and been picked in both the NRL and Maori All Star teams. 

Deciding to hang up the boots at the end of this year, James’ life won’t be any less hectic with four boys to keep him busy.

And he wouldn’t’ have it any other way!

“Having four boys is awesome,” James said with his trademark huge grin. “I love how driven they are and how much they love sports.

“Each child has his own personality, one, very sensitive and caring where another is very outspoken. It’s great!”

QDo you find it hard spending time away from the kids during the season and how do you keep in contact with them?

AFind it very hard travelling away from the kids, especially now they’re all into Saturday morning sports, and always hard to miss out. But FaceTime them before each game.

QThere have been lots of challenges in the last few years with Covid. How did you cope?

AThe lockdown through covid was obviously tough for all. I took it as an opportunity to play with the boys every day, learn new skills and watch them grow.

QThis year you’ve reached an amazing milestone in the game playing 300 NRL games, how does that make you feel and how have the family reacted?

AI am so fortunate to be able to share this milestone with the kids. Having them run out on the field with me is definitely a highlight in my career, and hopefully they’re old enough to remember!

QDo the kids enjoy watching you play and how do you feel seeing them on the sidelines?

AI love coming home and them telling me about my game and hearing some tips they have for me! They make me smile every time I see them whilst on the field.

QTell us about your amazing wife Brittney?

ABritt is the centre of us, she is the one that keeps this family going and nothing is ever too hard. The night time is very hectic, getting the boys’ lunches ready for the next day, boys’ dinner, bath, pyjamas on, all while they’re going crazy! I’ve honestly have never ever heard her complain, all while she is a part time personal trainer, and is training for a body building competition. 

QAre there any funny stories or memorable moments with the kids, tell us a few?

AThey love WWE wrestling, which can get dangerous! But they love doing the entrances and dressing up as their favourite wrestler and doing some wrestling moves on dad.

QTell us about being a dad, how much do you enjoy it and why is it so special?

AI’ve never known a love like I do for my family, the respect I have for my wife and the love I have for my kids is nothing I can ever compare too in this world.

QWhat is your favourite activity with the kids?

AMy favourite activity with the kids is simply being involved with them, whether it’s going to the park, playing footy, wrestling, basketball, Fortnite, hide and seek, airplanes, bowling.

Now let's talk to Brittney & the kids

QHi Brittney, what's James’ favourite activities as a dad?

AJames is the most incredible father and husband … he is a super hands on dad! 
He loves to be involved in everything they are doing. James preps all school lunches the night before and always has the boys’ school clothes out and ready which makes our busy morning school rush so much easier for me. He is THE MOST caring human, and always has time for anyone and everyone

QWhat makes your dad so amazing?

ABrooklyn - Dad is amazing because he takes us to the park every single afternoon, always teaches us football skills and is our biggest supporter. 
Barclay - Dad always likes to be John Cena when we play WWE wrestling and sometimes lets us win.
Bronx - Dad is so much fun and always makes us laugh.
Bear - Dad loves to take us out for treats after school and always stops by spacey games for some fun.