Roberts sheds wild child image
NATHAN Peats always knew James Roberts was going to be something special.
Peats first laid eyes on Roberts in 2010 when the flier made his under-20 debut for Souths at just 16 in a team Peats captained.
The Souths journey did not end happily for Roberts, who was sacked by the Rabbitohs before stints at Penrith and the Gold Coast ahead of his move to Brisbane.
There have been plenty of issues along the way, but Roberts returns to the Gold Coast today as the Broncos’ key strike weapon, and a man regarded as one of the most dangerous ball runners in the game.
“It’s always the most naturally talented ones that are the loosest sometimes, I think,” Peats said.
“He’s obviously had a kid and settled down a bit. I think he’s doing really well at the Broncos. He’s signed a four-year deal, so they obviously see a change in him.
“He’s a special talent, that kid, and hopefully he can keep his head down and focus and kick on from where he is now.”
That didn’t always seem like it was going to be the case for the Kempsey product.
“I was with him at Souths in 2011 when he came to training drunk one day and got told to go,” Peats said.
“Sometimes those kids who are so good growing up, it’s harder for them to be disciplined.”
The battle against the Titans seems to bring out the best in Roberts.
The 24-year-old has scored eight tries in five matches against the Gold Coast – his highest tally and best strike rate against any club in the competition – including the match-winner last time the teams met.
“He’s been good,” Titans coach Neil Henry said of Roberts’ involvement in the derby clashes since he left the Titans at the end of 2015.
“He’s a quality player and having a great season.”