In the same week that Ultimate League royalty Corey Parker announced his retirement, a new king has been crowned in Ultimate League. His name is Ryan James.

King James has emerged as the best player in Ultimate League in the past month averaging 77 to take his overall tally to 892 points, which is second behind Cameron Smith.

What makes his numbers so impressive is that in previous years he has struggled to make any impact on or off the field.

In his two other full years in 2013 and 2015 he averaged 36. This year the Titans' prop is averaging 60.

Not bad for someone who was drafted on average in 127 spot.

A quick look at his statistics reveal five reasons why James has developed into an Ultimate League superstar.

1. He averages 61 minutes per game in the front row.
2. Tackles and hit-ups combined equal more than 50.
3. He has scored seven tries.
4. Only failed to reach 100 running metres three times.
5. Eight scores of 60 or more.

The pinnacle of his season came in a powerhouse Perth performance against the Rabbitohs, where he just fell short of the century. Two tries, two line breaks, 48 tackles and six tackle breaks contributed to his mammoth score of 99.

James and Smith are likely to battle it out for the Ultimate League points leader in the closing 10 rounds.

Top three buys

1. Joel Thompson

2. Euan Aitken

3. Mitchell Barnett

Team of the week

1. Cody Walker

2. Josh Mansour

3. Euan Aitken

4. Jarrod Croker

5. James Tedesco

6. Luke Brooks

7. Shaun Johnson

8. Sam Burgess

9. Cameron Smith

10. Trent Merrin

11. Bodene Thompson

12. Simon Mannering

13. Jason Taumalolo