No sanction for Bronco pictured intoxicated

THE Brisbane Broncos have elected not to ban James Roberts after accepting his explanation of why he was photographed being carried, apparently unconscious, after a night of drinking.

A social media photo of Roberts, which was seen on Friday last week, was taken at a Brisbane residence on the night of March 28, the evening after the Broncos lost to St George Illawarra.

Roberts breached the Broncos’ policy of drinking alcohol while recovering from an injury – an Achilles tendon injury had worsened during the game the night before – but club management said yesterday the former Gold Coast Titan would not be suspended or fined.

The Broncos accept they will be criticised for not sanctioning the NSW State of Origin player for an act which brings the game into disrepute, but believe Roberts has made significant efforts in his avoidance of alcohol in the past three years.

Brisbane Broncos CEO Paul White said the club, his fourth in a turbulent NRL career, would continue to support the 26-year-old through his off-field rehabilitation.

Roberts told the Broncos yesterday he had been drinking alcohol at a friend’s house and been helped to arrange a Uber ride.

That car, with a sleeping Roberts inside it, was redirected by someone else to a party at another address, at which the “gotcha’’ social media picture was taken, the Broncos believe.

Roberts’s wife, Anna Jovanovic, was able to find out where he had been taken and went there to bring him home.

“Roberts apologised for drinking to excess and said he remained committed to work through his ongoing rehabilitation,’’ a Broncos statement read.

The Broncos understand the NRL Integrity Unit is satisfied with their handling of the matter, even though Roberts is reported to have been on his “last chance’’ with the NRL on alcohol misuse.

“James’ journey to this point has been well-documented and he has made huge strides in recent years,” White said.