A centre, James began his career with Mt. Wellington. In 1985, James joined Manly Warringah Sea Eagles. James played 6 games for Manly over 1 season. In 1985, James joined Hull F.C. James was a member of Hull F.C.’s 1982 Challenge Cup victory (replay) and Hull F.C.’s 1985 Challenge Cup Final. James played 180 games for Hull over 6 seasons (84 tries). In 1986 James was loaned to Leigh for 1 season. James played 25 games for Leigh (6 tries). In 1987, James joined Petone. In 1988, James joined Wakefield Trinity. James played 52 games for Wakefield Trinity over 2 seasons (12 tries).
James represented Auckland. James played for Wellington from 1987. James played 29 test matches for New Zealand from 1979-86 (14 tries). James also played for New Zealand Māori.
James coached Wellington City Dukes in the 1994 Lion Red Cup, and James coached the Eastern Tornadoes in the Bartercard Cup. In 2002 James coached the Junior Kiwis. From 2003-05 James was an assistant coach at the Warriors. In 2007 James served as a New Zealand assistant coach. In 2011, James co-coached the Mangere East Hawks.
James is the father of Thomas and MacGraff Leuluai.
In 2022, James was inducted as a New Zealand Legend of League.