Leeds Playing Honours: Grand Final (Winner 2018, 2021, Finalist 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022), Challenge Cup (Winner 2019, 2021, 2022, Finalist 2016, 2017), League Leaders' Shield (Winner 2019, 2021, 2022)

Leeds Coaching Honours: Grand Final (Finalist 2023), Challenge Cup (Finalist 2023), League Leaders' Shield (Winner 2023)

James Simpson was one of the founding members of Leeds Rhinos' Wheelchair team and went on to captain the Rhinos to trophy success.

Simpson took up Wheelchair Rugby League after losing both legs on military service in Afghanistan, and after making his Leeds debut in 2012, he has helped build the Rhinos into one of the best teams in the Wheelchair game. 

In 2017, he led the side to their first Grand Final before lifting the trophy a year later. Although the Challenge Cup evaded him in 2016 and 2017, 2019 saw Simpson win the famous Cup and League Leaders' Shield, but one of his finest seasons in a Rhinos shirt was 2021. A historic season, off the back of the Covid pandemic, saw Leeds sweep every opponent in front of them to retain the League Leaders' Shield and the Challenge Cup and to cap it off, a 52-36 win against Leyland Warriors in the Grand Final completed a historic Treble.

2022 saw him lead the Rhinos back to Challenge Cup success for a third straight season- his three tries downing Catalans Dragons in the Final in Hull - but old foes Halifax Panthers stole the Grand Final title in a dramatic showdown to close out the season. On conclusion of the campaign, Simpson announced he was retiring from playing and took over as head coach of the side for 2023.

The Rhinos didn't miss a beat with Simpson at the helm as they finished top of the league once again and reached both major finals in 2023.

On the international stage, Simpson was a regular for England after making his debut in 2014. He went on to win 31 caps for his country, and was a member of the squad who recaptured the World Cup from France in 2022 for the first time since 2008. He was also an official ambassador the World Cup.