Repentant Roberts goes into Thai rehab clinic
JAMES Roberts’ controversial career has taken another twist with the Broncos centre checking into rehab.
The troubled Roberts is visiting an overseas facility in Thailand to help him overcome a long-term battle with alcohol that has almost derailed his NRL career.
Known as The Cabin, the addiction treatment centre is the same Asian clinic that Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce checked into earlier this season.
A well-placed source said last night: “I know James is currently in Thailand. He’s gone over there with a close family friend.”
Roberts had a chequered finish to the season at the Broncos when he was embroiled in an alcohol-fuelled incident at The Normanby Hotel in Brisbane.
Sacked by former clubs Penrith and Souths, there were fears Roberts would be axed by the Broncos, who recruited him following his contractforgery saga at the Titans.
Roberts was spared the axe but was fined $20,000 by the Broncos and ordered to undergo counselling and partake in community-service activities.
The Broncos are aware of Roberts’ trip overseas and are doing everything possible to help the 23-year-old, who has endured a troubled childhood.
Roberts’ manager and uncle Jeremy Donovan told Channel Nine the speedster was determined to change after missing Brisbane’s finals clash against the Cowboys because of suspension.
“Missing that final broke his heart, it was the most emotional time I’ve seen him go through,” he said.
“It’s true, James has gone overseas. It’s about addressing the social issues that he has kept in the closet for a long time. This is James’ choice.”
At the height of Roberts’ ordeal last month, Donovan pro- vided an insight into his fragile state of mind and the importance of support networks.
Donovan insisted Roberts was not an alcoholic but had some issues with the demon drink that could be solved with professional help.
“I believe it (his relationship with alcohol) is one of those things that needs to be addressed,” he said. “James has had some off-field issues with his past traumas and it hurt him deeply to read everything about this incident.”