"It was pretty unlucky to miss last season but I'm hungry to have a good year this year and help the team go as far as we can," Jordan said.
James saw an opportunity to link up with his brother in the Bay and hasn't looked back.
"It just sort of aligned and worked out perfectly," he said.
"[Making the Steamers squad] is an amazing feeling, you don't take those sorts of things for granted.
"I love everything about this region, it's awesome. We both played for Whakarewarewa this year and it is an awesome club with awesome people that all made us feel welcome. That's what you want as a rugby player.
"I enjoy the lifestyle down here too, I never thought I'd say it but it's good to get out of Auckland. I loved Auckland while I was there, but it's awesome down here - I love the weather, the people and the team. We've got an awesome group this year."
Playing for Whaka was an opportunity to learn from someone who has been there and done that, with the team coached by former Bay of Plenty front rower Joe Savage.
The Lay brothers are living together in Tauranga, along with Mount Maunganui centre Liam Steel who has also made the squad for the first time.
"We're pretty close, we don't ever really fight. Liam's an awesome dude, we played together for Auckland last year. He's a bit of a chef so he does the cooking and keeps us nice and big for the front row," James said.
Looking ahead to the season, which starts against Northland on Sunday, Jordan said the main goal was for the team to go all the way.
"We all want a starting position, there's a lot of competition here and we are all good players so it's a tough one for the coaches.
"For me personally it's to get as much game time as I can. That competition is definitely a good thing, we all have strengths and weaknesses, and we all work together as well. The team's best interests are always the focal point.
"If the team does well, then you're doing well, that's the bigger picture," he said.
Being brothers made it easier to be honest with each other on and off the field, although there were times when they could be a little too honest.
"Like when I tell him he's ugly," Jordan laughed.
Earlier this year they realised a dream when they represented their home country Manu Samoa for the first time, against Tonga and Fiji. They enjoyed the cultural experience as much as the rugby.
"Mum's from there and we were born there. Dad was a Kiwi working over there and that's where he met Mum," James said.
"[Samoan heritage] is really important to us. Along with the rugby and learning the skills at a top level, learning about the cultural side was really important as well."
Jordan said it was about "re-connecting".
"Being in New Zealand, you don't lose touch but it is harder to keep it going."
Both agreed that making the starting team for the Steamers for the same game would be a "special moment".
"We were lucky enough to do it in Samoa, doing it for the Bay would be special as well," James said.
"Playing with your brother - nothing really beats it.
"Being in the same team makes it a whole lot more special. The whole team are like brothers but it's blood so it's a little bit different," he said.
The Steamers season kicks off away at Northland at 2.30pm on Sunday.
