There’s no doubting James Roberts is one of the most exciting players in rugby league. He holds the title of quickest man in the game, and has the strength to match that incredible speed.
But Roberts may be facing the axe for the third time in his career, after a drunken incident at a bar earlier in August.
The Brisbane Broncos have come out saying that while they are unwilling to let the 23-year-old go, they have prepared a report for the NRL integrity unit.
The Manly Warringah Sea Eagles are favourites to sign the troubled centre, in a move that would see retiring captain Jamie Lyon’s spot filled nicely.
While Roberts may be great to watch, his off-field behaviour is damaging his image, and ultimately his career.
On the 25th of July 2012, Roberts was released by the South Sydney Rabbitohs for breaching his player contract. He then moved onto Penrith, where on the 14th of March 2014, he was again released from his contract for off-field misbehaviour.
He had a successful two seasons with the Gold Coast Titans, where in 2015 he won the Dally M centre of the year award, before signing a two-year contract to play with Brisbane at the end of 2015.
If he is released by the Broncos, Roberts would surely find another club, whether it be Manly or any other team.
But is he really worth the trouble? His reputation off the field is beginning to put a shadow on his ability and talent on the field.
If I was head coach at an NRL club, I wouldn’t waste my time on him.
LockyDubba
Guest
I think he'd be more suited to the Roosters style of play. Jimmy plays his best footy when hes not restricted, hes a run 1st center. A similar 2015 combo of Tupou/Jennings. His biggest asset with the titans was sniffing for intercepts, which father time has stamped out since his time with Brisbane.
Maroon Blood
Guest
Name anyone that was given a LONGER leash than Carney.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I don't disagree Albo. I wouldn't be racing to sign him. I was trying to make the differentiation that his incidents been more about hurting himself and his brand than things like assaults, drunk driving, etc. Repeat behaviour, sure. But irredeemable? I don't think so.
Albo
Guest
But Baz, here is the prime NRL example of the "leopard & spots" saying ! Why would any Club think that things would now change under this new stewardship as club number 5 ? Potential means nothing if it can never be realised.
The Barry
Roar Guru
It's his first breach at the Broncos. I could be mistaken but I think his incidents at other clubs have been ones where he's missed club committments and let himself down rather than causing general mayhem in public. This one wasn't good but there are a lot of guys who've carried on like gooses when they've been cut off. The major part again has been that he's let himself down by being on the sauce when he shouldn't.
Joe
Roar Rookie
Wow, hindsight is such a wonderful thing. At the beginning of the season I was in envy when Broncs got Roberts and Storm got Cheyse Blair. Turns out Blair has been pretty good this season as has Morgan the mid season signing from the Eels. As talented as a player is sometimes the off field issues and team harmony and culture is more important to the club.
Sam Back-Hoe
Guest
I'm afraid you lost me with the opening sentence: "There’s no doubting James Roberts is one of the most exciting players in rugby league" I don't get excited by players who habitually run across field behind their own players, no matter how fast they are. I do hope he sorts everything out, but an excitement machine he isn't.
Nat
Roar Guru
Bennett has a history of supporting his players and may be the best man manager in the nrl. We all know the storeis of the broncos boys in the days before mobile phones/cameras. Irrespective of their culture, he understands these players shouldn't be looked as role models because they are just boys themselves. However, if they do not right their behavior that best represents the clubs values/culture then they will be moved on.
Jacksyd
Guest
I don't understand why Bennett doesn't involve Roberts as a go to man much in their tactics. Souths almost signed him up and lost him in the 11th hour. Time to go back to Souths and see a happy Roberts which will fix his frustration and get the best from him on and off the field.
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
I don't think they'll kick him. It may come into calculations come negotiations next year but if Bennett wants him there then the Broncos aren't going to give him the boot. Speaking of Bennett. All this talk about Roberts seems to have masked the fact that Bennett looked like for the second time in his career as if he was genuinely excited about something. I'm not great at reading lips but it looked like something along the lines of a c'mon Sammy YEAH ???????
William Dalton Davis
Roar Rookie
Todd Carney was given a LONG leash. i don't think I've ever seen a player p!55 away as many chances as he did. Makes Rodney Rude look like Cam Smith.
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Why not - their challenges are more complex and insurmountable ?
Scott
Guest
Football is a business, if the Broncos aren't getting a reasonable return on the field they will use his off field issues as an excuse to flick him.
Squidward
Roar Rookie
You can't go giving certain players of certain races a longer leash than say a Todd Carney
Squidward
Roar Rookie
But it's not in isolation
Mike Huber
Roar Pro
Jimmy Brilliant post !
Jimmmy
Guest
'If I was a head coach i wouldn't waste my time with him.' What a great mate you must be ' . Young players with problems especially indigenous ones need support not punishment. Once their was a young indigenous player who showed some promise.(, let's call him JT so as not to identify him. ) He had a few incidents in his early days not dissimilar to Jimmy Roberts. With maturity and support from his club, coaches, teammates and friends he has changed his ways and by all accounts become a fine example for His people and for Rugby League. Don't give up , step up.
The Barry
Roar Guru
I really don't think this incident in isolation should cost him his job. Having said that I have been bemused at all the calls for him to play origin. He's been around for a long time now and shown glimpses of potential but he's only ever had one, solid, consistent season. Last year with the Titans. We've seen how capable a replacement he's been for Hodges. To suggest that he would be an adequate replacement for Jamie Lyon is laughable. Good luck to him. He is really talented. Hopefully he can knuckle down and get the best out of his career. Hopefully there's a coach out there that can help him do it.
Craig
Guest
I don't think he's been that disappointing. He hasn't been good, but he was never going to be a star. He's an average centre at best wo gets more credit than he deserves because of his speed. He's essentially a slightly worse version of Michael Jennings.
John
Guest
Agreed. Definitely expected a lot more on field from him.