There is little doubt 2015 Dally M centre of the year James Roberts is in for another cracker.
Coming off his best season in the top grade, in which he crossed the stripe sixteen times for the 14th placed Gold Coast Titans, the speedster is sure to light up the competition again on the back of a blistering Broncos backline.
Roberts dominated headlines after his exit from the Titans last month, with rival clubs circling for his prized signature.
The 22-year-old from Kempsey knocked back potentially more lucrative offers from Sydney clubs to sign with the 2015 grand finalists.
'It’s a fresh start, a new beginning': James Roberts puts in the hard yards at training with fellow Brisbane Broncos Adam Blair. Source: Instagram
"You know money was never the option, never the dilemma. You know like I said it’s the lifestyle and where I’m going to be happy most off the field,” he told media in Brisbane.
"As of last year I had a good year and the lifestyle, so staying in Brisbane’s probably the best option for me and they’re a special team and a special coach.”
Coach Wayne Bennett welcomed the flyer with open arms, saying his arrival was a Christmas present come early.
“It was totally unexpected, it wasn’t part of our plans, but the opportunity arose and we didn’t want to miss that opportunity and he’s just got that unpredictability about him - the 'X Factor' - that not all players have, its pretty much God given really."
"You know when its 10-all and you’re playing two quality teams and there’s nothing in it, it's people like him that can produce that totally unexpected moment.”
While his involvement in the Auckland Nines is unclear, Roberts is set to make his Indigenous All Stars debut in the annual clash on February 13, having been named on the wing.
'Jimmy the Jet': James Roberts. Source: Instagram
A week later the Broncos will be taking part in the World Club Series in England against heavyweights the Wigan Warriors, so there is plenty for the speed machine to be excited about.
"It’s a fresh start, a new beginning,” Roberts said.
"I intended to do that at the Gold Coast but things didn’t happen the way I planned, but I intend to finish off here.”
Roberts was released by both South Sydney and Penrith for disciplinary breaches in 2012 and 2014 respectively, but had turned a corner after his arrival at the Titans, and his form coincided.
If "Jimmy the Jet" hits new heights at Red Hill, there is sure to be nothing but clear skies on the horizon.
“We do see him as a life-contracted player,” Bennett said.
“As we have done with players here in the past once they perform and play to their potential they have no fear about their future ... he realises that he needs to settle down now and make some good choices.”
