A WHITEHAVEN super league star will have his contribution to rugby league celebrated in a three month testimonial from the RFL.

Born and raised on a Whitehaven farm, James Donaldson played junior rugby league for the Wath Brow Club. 

A star player as a youngster, James signed for the Bradford Bulls at age 16 at a time when the all conquering Bulls had World renowned stars like Sam Burgess and Henry and Robbie Paul in their ranks.

James left the Bulls to join Hull KR and quickly established himself as a regular team member and played in the 2015 Challenge Cup Final at Wembley against Leeds Rhinos.

James has also represented Cumbria and England Knights and he joined Leeds Rhinos at the start of the 2019, making 25 appearances and in 2020 was a member of the Leeds team that beat Salford in the Challenge Cup Final at Wembley. 

He also played for the Rhinos in the 2022 Grand Final at Old Trafford against St Helens and so far, he’s racked up over 100 first team appearances for the Rhinos.

James' many contributions both on and off the field have resulted in the Leeds Rhinos star being granted a three month testimonial by the RFL

The games Governing Body, The Rugby Football League (RFL) awards 3-month Testimonials only to players who have served the game with great distinction, achieved representative honours and have demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the game at all levels. 

James is said to easily met all these criteria and will host fundraising events in Leeds, including a Rhinos v. Hull KR pre-season game at AMT Headingley on Sunday 4th February and a Testimonial Dinner at Whitehaven Golf Club on Saturday 20th January 2024.

The dinner at Whitehaven will see Rhino's stars such as Jamie Jones-Buchanan MBE, Cameron Smith, Harry Newman, Rhyse Martin and Rohan Smith all travel to speak at the event.

Leeds Rhino's Chief Executive Gary Hetherington said: “James has thoroughly deserved this recognition and he has served the professional game so well as a player and role model. 

"He is a proud Cumbrian and a big favourite with the Rhinos fans and I am really looking forward to bringing a coach full of Rhinos players and sponsors to spend time with the rugby league loving people in Whitehaven next month”.

Places can be booked for the dinner at £50 per person or corporate tables of 10 for £750, including a photo with James and the Rhinos and acknowledgement on the evening.  Contact James at Cumbriatestimonial@yahoo.com