He played a key role in the 2007 Rugby League European under-16's Championships, where Whitehaven School represented England. Donaldson was much sought after as a junior and signed for the Bradford Bulls, despite offers from many other top clubs. A, Donaldson hails from Cumbria and he has played for the famous Wath Brow Hornetsamateur side.
Playing positions
He primarily plays as a, but he can also play in the.
Senior career
Bradford Bulls (2009-14)
2009-14
Donaldson played for the Bradford Bulls between 2009 and 2014.
Bradford Bulls' career statistics (2009-14)
Dewsbury Rams (2013)
2013
Donaldson appeared for the Dewsbury Rams in the 2013 rugby league season, as part of the Bradford Bulls' dual-registration partnership with the club.
Donaldson suffered relegation from the Super League with Hull Kingston Rovers in the 2016 season, due to losing the Million Pound Game by the Salford Red Devils.
2017
In the Good Friday Championship league clash against the Featherstone Rovers on 14 April 2017, Donaldson unfortunately suffered a season-ending anterior cruciate ligamentknee injury in Hull Kingston Rovers' 30-22 victory at Craven Park. Donaldson, was part of the Hull Kingston Rovers' side that won promotion back to the Super League, at the first time of asking following relegation the season prior, securing automatic promotion through the 2017 Qualifiers process.
2018
Donaldson made his long-awaited return from his ACL kneeinjury on 15 March 2018, in a Super League fixture against the Huddersfield Giants, Hull Kingston Rovers ran-out 6-38 victors, with James featuring from off the interchange bench. It was revealed on 10 October 2018, that Donaldson would be departing Hull Kingston Rovers following a restructure of the club's on field personnel.
Donaldson appeared on only one occasion for the York City Knights on 11 March 2018, four-days later he made his long-awaited return to the Hull Kingston Rovers' fold, following his long-term ACL knee injury that he sustained the season prior. Donaldson scored for the York City Knights on a single dual-registration appearance, in a 22-24 victory over Oldham.
York City Knights' statistics (2018)
Leeds Rhinos (2019 - present)
2019
It was revealed on 6 December 2018, that Donaldson had been handed a trial at the Leeds Rhinos ahead of the 2019 campaign. Donaldson was subsequently given a chance to "prove his worth" to new Leeds Rhinos Head CoachDavid Furner, in all hopes of earning a contract at the club on a permanent basis. On 8 January 2019, after a successful trial, Donaldson signed a one-year contract with the Leeds Rhinos. Donaldson made his Leeds Rhinos' début on 2 February 2019, in a 26-6 round 1 Super League defeat against the Warrington Wolves at the Halliwell Jones Stadium. Donaldson scored his first try for the Leeds Rhinos on 19 April 2019, in a 38-18 victory over the Huddersfield Giants. It was announced on 12 September. Donaldson would be staying at Leeds until 2021.
