2023 couldn’t have gone much better for Brothers’ back Paddy James. 

The 28-year old made his Super Rugby debut for the Queensland Reds then went on to win a Hospital Cup premiership with Brothers all in the space of a few months. 

“It was a dream year. I’d worked really hard over a number of years so to get a chance to play Super Rugby, then to go on and win a premiership, it’s hard to imagine a better year of rugby,” James said. 

“It was something I really wanted to achieve and I worked really hard towards it, but things look a little different for me off the field now so for the moment I’m happy to focus on my rugby at Brothers and things away from footy.” 

After working as a physio since 2018, James recently made a career change and is now working in sales for medical device company Zimmer Biomet. 

Last week, he starred for the Filth in a 51-17 win over Easts in his side’s first hit out of the 2024 season. 

“We had a really good preseason and I think that showed against Easts. Physically, I thought we were really up for it. Everyone understood our game plan and we executed well which was pleasing for our first competition match.”

James was full of praise for new coach Ben McCormack, who he said had added plenty of new ideas over summer, and said he was enjoying his new role as one of the more senior players at Crosby Park this season. 

“It feels a little weird to be honest but I enjoy trying to help the younger fellas as much as I can, because I benefitted from older guys doing that for me earlier in my career. 

“All the young guys at the club are really impressive. 

“Dre (Pakeho) has stepped up and is doing really well at inside centre. Finny Prass has a massive boot and I think he’s got a bit future ahead of him. Will Cartwright has also added some x-factor to the side.”

With Lawson Creighton named in the Reds matchday 23 to play the Highlanders on Friday night, James said he’d likely start at flyhalf against Souths this weekend, but said he was happy to jump around the backline throughout the season. 

Souths and Brothers are two of three teams yet to lose this season and James said he was expecting a tight contest at Crosby Park on Saturday, 

“They are probably the form team of the comp at this stage,” he said. 

“They have been building nicely over the last few seasons and we’re going to have to be right on our game this weekend because they’ll present a big challenge. 

“They’ve got a big physical forward pack and their backs are firing as well.” 

In the rounds other matches, Bond host undefeated Wests, GPS face UQ and Norths take on Sunnybank. 

“It’s a really strong comp again,” James added. 

“I think over the last few years, every side has been strong on their day so you can’t go into any weekend thinking you’ll get an easy win. 

“If you do, you’ll get knocked off and that’s what is great about the competition at the moment.”