Jimmy jets into Origin view
YOU can’t teach speed. It’s a phrase you’re likely to hear spill out of Phil Gould’s mouth during the opening round of the NRL this weekend and it’s a phrase that relates to no one better than James Roberts.
“Jimmy the Jet” is simply electrifying. He instils fear in rival fans with every touch.
Titans supporters know better than most; Roberts has scored five tries in four games against the Gold Coast since joining Brisbane in 2016. He gave Dale Copley a particularly hard time at Suncorp Stadium last year in a stunning three-try performance. Roberts, who celebrated his 25th birthday on Saturday, has 59 tries from 103 appearances.
The Kempsey product endured a rocky start to his career, being sacked from South Sydney and then Penrith for off-field misdemeanours.
It was on the Coast – where he still has connections – he turned it around, establishing himself as a top centre before switching to the Broncos amid a Titans contract forgery saga.
Trouble has still followed him but more and more Roberts is making headlines for the right reasons. A NSW Origin call-up may not be that far off.
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