Boyd says Jet can be Australian X-factor

BRONCOS skipper Darius Boyd has called for James Roberts to be picked for Australia, saying “The Jet’’ can be the Xfactor that helps the Kangaroos to World Cup glory.

Boyd’s stance was supported by former Queensland and Test centre Steve Renouf, who believes Roberts has developed the consistency to warrant promotion to the representative arena.

Origin duo Will Chambers and Josh Dugan are Australia’s incumbent centres, but Boyd says Roberts would be a perfect addition to the Kangaroos’ 24-man squad for the showpiece tournament.

Test coach Mal Meninga says he is monitoring Roberts and the Broncos ace can press his claims by outpointing former NSW centre Michael Jennings in tonight’s clash against the Eels at ANZ Stadium.

“Hopefully James can keep his form up and get a gig in the World Cup,” said Boyd, Australia’s fullback incumbent.

“If I played centre, I wouldn’t want to mark him, that’s for sure.

“James is too good to just be an NRL player.

“Often sides who go close to the grand final often make those end-of-year Australian squads so hopefully the Broncos can help him out.

“He is a talented guy who wouldn’t look out of place in the Test side, but I guess the final decision is up to Mal and the Australian selectors.”

Broncos legend Renouf, whose brilliant try famously buried Great Britain in the 1992 World Cup final, said Roberts was ready for a greenand-gold baptism.

“If he is playing well in the finals and is fit, they should pick him for the World Cup,” Renouf said.

“If he keeps his form up, why not give him a chance? Pick him in the Australian squad.

“James wouldn’t let anyone down. It would be good for his confidence and I think Roberts is ready to go to the next level.

“I can’t believe NSW didn’t pick him in their Origin side this year. We haven’t seen the best of James yet.

“He gives me goosebumps when I watch him and he would excel playing around better players in the Australian side.”

Roberts has scored 13 tries from 17 games this season.