Hughes said James was a "very important player" for the club, heading into the finals series of the Gisborne and District Cricket Association McIntyre Cup.

James has played every match in his first year with the first grade squad at United and Hughes believes his prized asset is only going to get better.

"He works hard and he listens to what all the experienced guys around him have to say and he's just doing the right thing at the moment.

"His father, Steve James, has been with the club for years and years and he used to be the opening bowler in the McIntyre Cup as well and I think Jesse will follow in his footsteps and have a long career with us."

James decided to play cricket after watching his dad on Saturday afternoons and said his father helped him a lot with his bowling technique.

"My dad played at the club for 16 years and is a bit of a legend around the place so of course I look up to him and he's the reason I got into the sport as I used to watch him bowl every Saturday.

"He comes down to training and helps us out with bowling and for me personally it's just great having him around."

James said he was pleased with the way he had bowled this season.

"I think I've been bowling reasonably well and I don't think I could have done to much better this season.

"But I am working really hard at training and doing extra fitness work so that I can continue improving in the years to come."

As for his future aspirations, James is aiming high.

"It has always been my lifelong dream to play for Australia and I still hope to get there one day," he said.

"But I'm happy as long as I'm playing cricket."