Bennett opens up on Roberts’ battle
BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett has revealed the extent of James Roberts’ problems included drug use, after the in-form Broncos star yesterday inked a $2 million contract extension.
The NRL integrity unit last night said it would rubber-stamp Roberts’ new fouryear deal despite Bennett’s bombshell revelation that the Broncos ace had dabbled in drugs.
Roberts has spoken of his battle with alcohol and he checked into a Thailand rehab facility last October to address the off-field problems that led to his sacking at two other NRL clubs.
But he had never been publicly linked to drug use until yesterday, when Bennett detailed the depth of the centre’s private ordeal at the press conference announcing his new contract.
“It’s not easy to do what James has done. He has given up alcohol and given up drugs,” Bennett said.
Sitting beside Bennett, Roberts was expressionless, seemingly unmoved by the coach’s shock revelation.
“James has had a remarkable change,” Bennett added.
“He has been in that situation for six or seven months and it’s been game-changing for him and that’s why he has got a four-year contract.
“His behaviour and attitude to his fellow teammates has changed. It is not all about James anymore. It is about the team, and he interacts really well with them and is valued by them.
“When we bought James, we realised he had some problems, we weren’t that naive, but he continues to improve and what he has done has been quite remarkable.
Roberts has not recorded a positive drugs test since arriving at the Broncos last year.
Just 12 months ago, Roberts was fighting to save his NRL career after being involved in two alcohol-fuelled incidents that had him fined $20,000 by the Broncos and warned he was on his last chance by the NRL.
But Roberts has turned his career around, scoring 13 tries in 17 games so far this season.
Contacted last night, Bennett clarified his comment, insisting he was not referring to Roberts using illicit drugs.
“It was an issue in relation to prescription drugs, nothing else, and the Broncos have ensured there is a duty of care for James’ well-being,” he said.
Roberts said yesterday the fight to resurrect his NRL career was multi-faceted and went beyond his struggles with alcohol.
“There was plenty of underlying issues,” he said.
“But I have come a long way from where I was.”
WHEN WE BOUGHT JAMES, WE REALISED HE HAD SOME PROBLEMS, WE WEREN’T THAT NAIVE ... BRONCOS COACH WAYNE BENNETT