James hits milestone as Dolphins ready for do-or-die footy
Joshua James only has one thing on his mind this weekend.
With 49 Hostplus Cup games under his belt, the Redcliffe Dolphins halfback is reaching a fairly significant milestone on Saturday.
But it’s an occasion that will have to go on the back burner as his team enter do-or-die finals time.
This weekend the Dolphins will play host to the PNG Hunters in an elimination showdown at Kayo Stadium and for James, that is all that matters.
“It’s the first week of finals and we’re looking for a good win this weekend,” he said.
“That’s more of the thing I am focused on.
“We’ve played our last two games like do-or-die games and it’s been two pretty solid performances. Hopefully it’s a good sign of what’s to come.
“When the pressure is on, we know how to perform.”
James – who started his Cup career with the Souths Logan Magpies in 2021 before heading south to join the Canberra Raiders – is now in his second season with the Dolphins.
And moving into this weekend, he is feeling fit and fresh.
After getting his appendix removed at the start of August, the vice-captain missed two games against the Burleigh Bears and Sunshine Coast Falcons.
They are the only matches he has ever missed in his time in the red and white and, while it was a hiccup in his season, it was also a blessing in disguise.
“I missed two games and that’s my first two games I’ve missed in the last two years,” he said.
“I wasn’t too sure how to feel about it. But, coming into the last couple of games, it’s been the best thing for me.
“I had a freshen up, a couple of weeks off training, and I’ve come back a lot fresher and a lot more motivated.
“It was hard having to sit out but it gave me more motivation to come back in and steer the team in the right direction.”
Since James’ return in Round 22, the Dolphins notched up back-to-back wins over the Townsville Blackhawks and Mackay Cutters to see them finish in sixth on the competition ladder.
They earnt the right to a week one home final but from here, every game is do-or-die.
But James is confident in the squad and in his own ability as a leader.
Having taken on the captaincy role the past two weeks with Max Bailey (calf) and Kyle Schneider (illness) sidelined, the 24-year-old knows he has grown in 2025.
“It’s definitely been a little bit different (this year),” he said.
“I’ve taken on more of a senior leadership role. Last year, I didn’t really grasp the enormity of it so much.
“This year, I’ve done a lot better in that vice-captain role. I’ve been more of a leader this year.”
As he prepares for his 50th game this weekend, James’ focus is so razor sharp because his ultimate goal in his career is to win a premiership.
While making last season’s decider was a highlight for him, the pain of losing is continued motivation as they push into this year’s finals series.
And he is determined to get as close as possible to that goal this year.
“There’s the old saying, you have to lose a grand final to win one,” James said.
“To get so close, obviously it was heartbreaking, but it was good to get so close.
“To win a Q Cup grand final, that’s been such a big thing for me.
“Winning is mostly what I enjoy about football. That and hanging out with my best friends. Winning a comp is definitely the thing I’m striving for most right now.”
This Saturday’s action will be a finals triple header, with reserve grade kicking off first at 2.15pm.
A-grade will then meet Carina Tigers in a grand final qualifier at 4pm before the Hostplus Cup clash at 6pm.