HE'S the shelf-stacking Woolies employee who can't find a lady to love.

James Wragg, 27, has been an active member of several dating sites, including Plenty of Fish (POF) and Oasis-Active, for seven years.

And in that time, he's never snagged a lady.

He visited The Observer office yesterday morning to offer a counter point of view to the article that ran last week about POF.

Ron, the construction worker who was interviewed for the story said he used the site to arrange casual sex.

But James said he was looking for a "genuine and honest relationship".

He even went as far to say that sex wasn't that important to him.

James turned to cyberspace because his nerves were getting in the way of him finding a partner.

"Honestly, I don't think I have the charm - I feel really nervous around girls. If you have a good opening line and can successfully land it, plus good looks, then you're in.

"But I just get laughed at when I try.

"It sucks."

The internet hasn't proved any more effective for James, though.

He said he's sent "countless" messages to girls on both sites without receiving a single response.

"No one's ever contacted me."

James said he felt like he was forever competing with Gladstone's high-vis set.

"The way I see it, if you have a high-paying job on the island, for example, it's easy for you to get girls.

"Women seem to want a guy who can look after them."

The high ratio of men in the area also presented a problem.

A search of men looking for women aged 18-40 within a 60km radius of Gladstone brought up 41 pages.

The very same search, but in reverse - only 15.

James said he has plenty to offer - if only someone would give him a chance.

"I'm friendly, respectful, down-to-earth, trustworthy. I'll listen and I'll be there."

Similarly, James said his ideal companion would be understanding and warm. "I don't really care about looks," he added.

"It's time to let one of the nice guys come first for once!"