At just 20 years old, James Lee has quickly become one of the standout performers in the 2025 season of the Harrigan Cup, and he’s only just getting started.
The former Thirlmere Roosters junior made the switch to Collegians this season, and, in his debut year, he’s already the competition’s top try-scorer with 14 tries.
“I’ve scored a few,” Lee says with a grin.
“A few easy ones being put on a platter, which is always nice. So, I haven’t had to work too hard for my tries, I’ll admit to that, but it’s always good to score a try.”
Lee’s focus is clear: team first, results second.
“We’re not going out there to try and wrap up the minor premiership. That’s not our goal,” he says.
“We’re just trying to get some 80-minute performances out there and each week get better and better, because we’ve got a real good team, and we know that we can go far in this competition.”
And Coach Jimmy Grehan, also in his first season at the club, couldn’t agree more.
“We haven’t done anything big yet, because it’s all about winning the competition,” Grehan says.
“But up until now, everything life’s thrown up, the boys have been willing to deal with. It’s a credit to the type of people we have at the club.”
A Breakout Year
After playing all his junior footy in the Macarthur region, from age five with the Roosters to winning a first-grade premiership at just 18, Lee made the decision to challenge himself in a new environment.
“Coming down to Illawarra was a new challenge for me,” he says.
“I’m hungrier than ever to win a competition down here with my new mates.”
The switch was helped by a familiar face, fellow Thirlmere junior Damon New, who joined Collies a year earlier. But it was club water runner Andrew Bray who made it official.
“I came down to watch a game, got to know a few of the boys, and Snowy [Bray] asked if I wanted to play,” Lee recalls.
“It just went from there.”
Coach Grehan says Lee’s impact goes beyond just finishing tries.
“He can score, but he can save too,” Grehan says.
“He’s probably a fullback by trade, but with the depth we’ve got there, he’s been outstanding on the wing. He’s a real competitor.”
Grehan was first impressed by Lee last year, when he was playing for the Macarthur Wests Tigers against the Illawarra South Coast Dragons in the Men’s Country Championships. He didn’t cross the stripe in that game but left a lasting impression.
“I remember saying, ‘I want him on my team.”
Match Centre
Culture, Coaching and Confidence
Lee has quickly embraced the strong culture at Collegians, a club steeped in history and known for its community spirit.
“The fellas that run the club are just great people. They made the transition easy and made it feel like home straight away,” he says.
He’s also found mentors in veterans like Charly Runciman.
“Charly’s just one of those blokes who’s always going to be there for you. He turns up, rips in, no matter how hard he gets hit.”
“Mr Reliable,” he says.
“Just a genuine fella, I really look up to him.”
Grehan has seen that culture carry the club through tough moments, including a string of injuries and suspensions in his first year at the helm.
The team has already used 27 players this year, but the “next man up” mentality has kept them rolling.
“We lost Sam McCann, who made the Country team last year, and one of the Grant boys broke his jaw. Our centre Dane Nelson’s also out,” Grehan says.
“But we keep stepping up. That’s what we’ve built.”
[Watch] James Lee finishes of another for Collies
Big Goals, Bigger Picture
Though Lee is among the top point scorers behind teammate Blair Grant, he’s not concerned about the stats.
“I might need to take the goal-kicking duties off Blair to catch him,” he jokes.
“But seriously, I just want to keep playing good footy, get better each week, and show that I’ve got the skills to go further.”
He’s open to opportunities at a higher level if they come, but for now, he’s focused on delivering for Collies.
“If people are watching and an opportunity comes up, I’d definitely have a go at it,” he says.
“But at the moment, I just want to be better each week and prove I’ve got what it takes.”
As for the goal this season?
“I’ll be disappointed if we don’t go all the way and have a good crack at it,” Lee says.
“We’ve got the squad to do it.”
Grehan agrees but keeps his eyes firmly on the bigger prize.
“Yeah, the minor premiership’s nice, but it’s not the goal,” he says.
“We’re focused on the grand finale”.
“That’s the real test.”
Words | Angelina Raula