The prolific forward Thomas James - or "TJ" as he's known - has smashed 22 goals for NPL champs Wollongong Wolves in his first season on the South Coast.

He's the new Golden Boot in NSW. 

James was a goal machine in the NPL Capital Football competition, too, bagging a staggering 80 goals in 83 games over the last four years.

In 2018, he banged in 19 goals in 17 games for Canberra FC to justify his huge reputation. 

James, 26, is set to start for NPL NSW Premiers Wollongong Wolves against Sydney FC tonight.

The champions of their respective leagues meet at WIN Stadium in a high profile friendly.

And if the prolific Thomas can do what he’s done over the last four years, A-League scouts will be taking note.

“When I came to Wolves at the start of the season, we spoke about winning the league and me winning the golden boot,” James told FTBL.

“And we did that. We’re bringing success back to Wollongong. Loved every minute.”

The friendly comes as the Wolves prepare for next Wednesday night's NSW Men's National Premier League grand final qualifier at the same venue.

And with former Sydney FC and Socceroo defender Luke Wilkshire in charge in Wollongong, James has continued and blossomed in the red shirt of the Wolves.

“Everyone at the club is friendly, the dressing room is amazing. No politics," he said.

“Everyone gets on so well. It’s why we've been successful. We get along and we want to win.

“And the fans are so welcoming too, and we’ve got a lot of fans. The biggest crowds in the NPL.

“And our stadium is one of the best you’ll see in the NPL, WIN stadium.

The East-London born striker and former Nottingham Forest junior has been in Australia for over five years and is close to acquiring his residency.

It’s now in the lap of the Australian government how quickly this comes through, thereby making James a non-visa signing for the A-League.

"He is quick, has a good first touch, can beat a defender, works hard and can obviously find the back of the net," Wilkshire said after James inked his two-year deal. 

Read the full feature on Thomas “TJ” James next week, when he tells FTBL all about his bold move from England to Australia and his A-League hopes.