Roberts goes from pariah to $2m man
Broncos deal caps remarkable revival
BRONCOS boss Paul White has warned James Roberts not to go off the rails after the troubled centre’s stunning fightback was yesterday rewarded with a $2 million contract extension.
Roberts has received a boost on the eve of tonight’s clash against Parramatta, with the NRL’s fastest man inking the richest deal of his career to remain at Red Hill until the end of 2021.
It caps a remarkable renaissance for Roberts, who just 12 months ago was fighting to save his NRL career after being fined $20,000 by the Broncos for his role in two alcohol-fuelled scandals.
Sacked by two other NRL clubs, Roberts has never enjoyed such contractual security, but White yesterday made it clear the Broncos would not tolerate any complacency given his turbulent past.
“We are proud of where we have got to with James, but plenty of hard work is still in front of him,” the Broncos chief executive said.
“The efforts we have been applying over the past 12 months we will continue.
“James knows our expectation like every other player here.”
The NRL integrity unit had warned Roberts last July that he faced deregistration if he stepped out of line again.
There was speculation the Broncos would look to safeguard their four-year investment by inserting behavioural clauses, but White said he was putting the onus on Roberts to adhere to the club’s standards.
“It is a standard contract,” White said.
“I don’t want to lead or manage this club by a code of conduct. We hold ourselves accountable to our own standards and the club has delivered over a long history.
“That’s not to say we don’t adhere to the laws of the game but our commitment is to each other. That’s the way I like to lead and (coach) Wayne (Bennett) is the same.”
Roberts has been a revelation this season, scoring 13 tries from 17 games, and admits the turning point came last October when he checked into a Thailand rehab facility to address his off-field demons.
The 24-year-old accepts there is an element of risk with the four-year deal, but has pledged not to offend again.
“It is a long time (four years),” he said.
WE ARE PROUD OF WHERE WE HAVE GOT TO WITH JAMES, BUT PLENTY OF HARD WORK IS STILL IN FRONT OF HIM ... JAMES KNOWS OUR EXPECTATION LIKE EVERY OTHER PLAYER HERE
“But at this club we have a high standard and I’m sure Wayne will keep us accountable for our jobs.
“I had to be better. I have finally come around and realised what is important in life.
“Going to Thailand was a big thing.
“I had a few months to myself and to think about myself.
“It made me realise a lot of things and thinking about my son made me realise there are more important things than just myself.
“I want to be a Bronco for life and this is the first step towards that.”
Bennett said the Broncos and the code had a duty of care to rehabilitate the NSW Origin hopeful.
“It was really important to stand by James,” he said.
“Football is poorer without a guy like James Roberts.
“It’s important we keep him in the game because of what he brings.” CAIRNS hockey is back this weekend after a break for the show long weekend.
The final rounds of the men’s competition promise to be filled with drama, passion and quality hockey, with some interesting storylines emerging.
For Brothers, it’s been 19 long years since their men’s team have won a premiership.
Currently they sit second and four points adrift of Souths on top. Brothers will have to be flawless in their final three games – and Souths will have to drop points against Saints or Stingers – for a chance to steal the minor premiership.
Regardless, they’ve been extremely competitive all year.
Saints Men have struggled to find consistency this season but in recent weeks they have shown glimpses of form to stay in striking distance of a finals position.
The Round 17 clash against Stingers promises to be a door-die game for the Blue boys.
In a competition where every team has taken points off each other, I wouldn’t rule out the Blue boys making a lateseason charge and doing some serious damage in the finals.
Last year’s runners up, Stingers Men, have battled hard this season despite losing several experienced players from last year’s grand final side.
The young side has stepped up and caused some shock upsets this season, including a 2-0 victory over ladder leaders Souths last round.
The Round 17 clash against Saints will see captain Kyle Richardson return for what promises to be one of the most important games of the year.
Last year’s premiers Souths are in pole position to take the minor premiership and book their ticket for this year’s grand final. The Red Men lead Brothers by four points heading into the final round.
Souths have been incredibly consistent and their defence has been hard to break down.
Olympic gold medallist Dean Butler has done a great job mentoring the younger players in the Souths side.
The Souths boys can wrap up the minor premiership in their next two games.