SHAUN Wane has bolstered his front-row – with a member of his coaching staff!

Jordan James has come out of retirement to take up a one-year playing deal for the upcoming season.

The Welsh international – a former Royal Marine Commando – previously played for Wigan in 2006. He had taken up a development role with the Warriors, but will now make his ‘second debut’ in Sunday’s friendly, at Workington.

Wane said: “He had the bottle to come into my office and ask for a chance.

“He’s killed it in training. I watched him during the World Cup, he was one of Wales’ best middles with Ben Flower, and I think he’ll add quality and experience.

“Within days of him joining Wigan as a coach, I sensed that he had more to offer. After discussing the opportunity of him playing for us with Kris Radlinski, I was convinced he could do a job for us for a season.”

James, who made six Wigan appearances in ‘06, has now delayed his move into coaching Welsh prospects.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me to finish my playing career with Wigan,” said the 33-year-old, who will wear squad No.28. “I have been training with the boys and really enjoyed it and I am delighted to have been offered a contract.”

Wane had been seeking prop reinforcements. A move for Huddersfield’s Larne Patrick collapsed after they demanded a transfer fee thought to be around £200,000.

Chairman Ian Lenagan said: “There is an element of romance attached to a player finishing his career with Wigan, in a similar way that Paul Deacon did with us before moving on to coaching. We believe that it will be a great story for Jordan”.

I will wait and see how he performs before writing him off, Salford fans actually rated him last season and i think he had a good world cup as well. we still have dual reg with scorpions.

I really cannot see why some people are getting so worked up about this. JJ is a seasoned professional who was considered enough of an asset to be given a job as a coach and just a few weeks ago was being complimented for his play in the world cup. Circumstance means we may need a bit of experience up front at a time when few/no marquee standard props are available so we have re-registered him. Remember that last time it wasn't him who was shocking, he never let us down and did what was asked of him.
I would hate to see the development of our juniors derailed by throwing silly money around like we did in the past. I trust that we have a plan, and that this keeps it on track. I doubt that we will walk away with everything this season but thank God that we are not playing who's got the biggest cheque book?
One question though, is he being payed as a coach who will run out if necessary or as a player fully on cap?

3 tries in 6 games plus a bit of biff against the scousers, he'll do for me

If you guys are not wanting him a Dual reg with the Scorpions would be top rate thankyou!

Solid player for club and country, as said nothing creative, hold on tight and run up the middle.

Also great bloke!

I was gutted he left salford. I thought he was one of our best players last season. Still gives it his all, the try against Huddesfield last season when 3 huddersfield players bounced back of him on the try line was quality. Hope he does alright for you