James tipped to blow it open
WAYNE Bennett, the Broncos super coach who turned James Roberts into an Origin player, says the NSW rookie’s speed could blow the Maroons off the park in Origin I tonight.
Broncos flyer Roberts will make his debut for the Blues against Queensland in the series opener at the MCG.
Four years ago, Roberts was on the brink of the NRL scrapheap after being sacked by the Panthers for an offfield incident, the second time he had had his contract torn up after being shown the door by South Sydney.
Bennett credited Brisbane’s patience, two stints in a Thailand rehab clinic and the birth of Roberts’ second child a fortnight ago for The Jet’s revival.
When Roberts walked out on the Titans three seasons ago after a contract bungle, Bennett knew he would cop criticism for signing him, but believed the risk of backing Roberts was worth the reward.
“I just wanted him to realise his potential,” Bennett said. “He has God-given stuff you can’t coach – speed and footwork. But I just wanted him to take responsibility and ownership for his actions and he’s done that, it’s a credit to him.
“I’ve seen a change in him because of his kids.
‘‘He doesn’t want his children to face the same consequences he did in his life.
“To get where he has, he has had to have a good look at himself and turn a lot of things around. I can’t speak for other clubs but I know our club better than anybody and he came to the right place.
“I just like his raw talent and I wanted to get him to a place where he could capitalise on that talent.
“There was always a risk involved in signing James, but I was prepared to take that risk and back ourselves as a club to improve him as a footballer and a person. James has responded to it.”