James, 26, joins Thierry Alibert, Phil Bentham, Steve Ganson, Richard Silverwood, Ian Smith and Ben Thaler in the squad of referees who will officiate at most Engage Super League games.

Dewsbury-based James will spend two days each week training with his six colleagues and combine the role with his position as a trainee chartered surveyor with Leeds City Council.

James is a member of the Dewsbury and Batley Referees’ Society and took charge of 11 Super League matches last season.

“I’m thrilled to be given this chance and am looking forward to what is going to be a steep learning curve,” said James.

“Training with the other referees and going through the same rigorous assessment and evaluation process is going to make me a better referee and improve my performance. I’m very grateful to the RFL and to Leeds City Council for agreeing to give me this chance.”

James has been a Grade One referee for two years and has been a touch judge in the World Cup Final, the Carnegie Challenge Cup Final and the Super League Grand Final. He was also named the Reporter Series sportsman of the year in 2009.

Stuart Cummings, the RFL’s match officials director, said James’s appointment would bring valuable competition among the sport’s top referees.

“Although James is relatively young he brings with him considerable experience, both at club and international level, and it’s great to have him as part of the team,” he said. “Even though he is only with us two days each week, that time will allow us to address the areas of his performance that need work to make him a better referee.”