Wests Tigers sign James Roberts till 2022

[yeti]

The much maligned Pascoe must take some credit for this. He is helping to provide an environment that others such as those mentioned above, are finding attractive.
Once we see some on field success - eventually - this will accelerate.
It is looking very promising.

 

[cochise]

Man, I'm so excited. I'm seeing all of these good characters aligned with our club. People who would normally have nothing to do with us, such as Adam Hartigan, Timana Tahu and even Madge. These guys are adding an extra element to our club which never existed. I am so happy. I feel like we are finally going somewhere new.

I want finals so bad. I will cry when it finally happens. I imagine many others feel the same.

The much maligned Pascoe must take some credit for this. He is helping to provide an environment that others such as those mentioned above, are finding attractive.
Once we see some on field success - eventually - this will accelerate.
It is looking very promising.

I strongly believe that success is coming, possibly even making the 8 next year. As I have said before we need the risks we have taken this off season to pay off next year, I believe we finally have the people around the club who will give those players the best chance to excel. This isn't the same Wests Tigers from the last 10 years, there is something changing here, I can feel it.

 

[JayT]

The indigenous program and Tahu are my fav parts of the off season. Good stuff!

 

[nrlsurvivor]

DT article - Buzz...
James Roberts is out to resurrect his rugby league career, with the enigmatic centre declaring himself fully fit and ready to get back to his best.
In his first interview as a Tiger, Roberts revealed he had rediscovered his love for rugby league after a private off-field battle with his mental health.
“It feels good just to be back,” said Roberts, speaking for the first time since signing a one-year deal with the Tigers after quitting Souths at the end of last season.
“I think this is one of the most excited I’ve been about playing footy.
“I’m really looking forward to the season and really happy with where I’m at.”
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Walking away from a $500,000-a-year deal with South Sydney after injury and COVID-19-caused isolation affected his mental health, Roberts began training full time with the Tigers last
week and was back in full flight for the first time since he suffered a season-ending injury in July.
“The body was pretty dusty at the start but it’s coming good now,” Roberts said.
“It’s been really easy to settle in. I’ve just been trying to make sure I do my best at training and that’ll lead into what we do on the field. I’m really into it.”
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the Tigers offered Roberts his one-year lifeline after the player personally phoned coach Michael Maguire.
Formerly together at the Rabbitohs when Roberts was an NRL upstart, the surprise phone call has reunited the pair after eight years.
“I’ve been really enjoying it so far — it’s been great to be back and under Madge again. It’s a great bunch of boys here and they’ve been really welcoming,” Roberts said.
“Madge has changed a bit since we first started but has been really good to me and the boys here.”
Roberts also hinted at becoming a leader at his new club after predicting an exciting future for his new team.
“There’s a really good group here and I think we’ll do something special,” he said.
“I’ve been trying to chime in and help some of the younger boys where I can; I’m sort of one of the older boys now which is a different feeling for me but it’s something I’m enjoying.
“It’s good for me to try and lead the way with my actions and help them with that.”
Maguire said he had been impressed with Roberts who spent three weeks with the club part-time before joining the full-time squad this week.
“He has done everything right,” Maguire said.
“And most importantly he looks happy. He has been buzzing about and getting on really well with the boys. He is happy. We all know what he can do on the field and we will give him the best opportunity to do that.”
The Tigers credited Souths with setting up a treatment plan and support system for Roberts that is still in place.

 

[LeichhardtTiger]

I'm excited!

 

[TrueTiger]

I really hope JTJ has a great year,he has still got plenty to offer especially if he is over his injury...the best thing is he is keen to help and get involved with the young players,they will learn plenty from the Jet...

 

[JC99]

DT article - Buzz...
James Roberts is out to resurrect his rugby league career, with the enigmatic centre declaring himself fully fit and ready to get back to his best.
In his first interview as a Tiger, Roberts revealed he had rediscovered his love for rugby league after a private off-field battle with his mental health.
“It feels good just to be back,” said Roberts, speaking for the first time since signing a one-year deal with the Tigers after quitting Souths at the end of last season.
“I think this is one of the most excited I’ve been about playing footy.
“I’m really looking forward to the season and really happy with where I’m at.”
Kayo is your ticket to the best sport streaming Live & On-Demand. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly >
Walking away from a $500,000-a-year deal with South Sydney after injury and COVID-19-caused isolation affected his mental health, Roberts began training full time with the Tigers last
week and was back in full flight for the first time since he suffered a season-ending injury in July.
“The body was pretty dusty at the start but it’s coming good now,” Roberts said.
“It’s been really easy to settle in. I’ve just been trying to make sure I do my best at training and that’ll lead into what we do on the field. I’m really into it.”
The Sunday Telegraph can reveal the Tigers offered Roberts his one-year lifeline after the player personally phoned coach Michael Maguire.
Formerly together at the Rabbitohs when Roberts was an NRL upstart, the surprise phone call has reunited the pair after eight years.
“I’ve been really enjoying it so far — it’s been great to be back and under Madge again. It’s a great bunch of boys here and they’ve been really welcoming,” Roberts said.
“Madge has changed a bit since we first started but has been really good to me and the boys here.”
Roberts also hinted at becoming a leader at his new club after predicting an exciting future for his new team.
“There’s a really good group here and I think we’ll do something special,” he said.
“I’ve been trying to chime in and help some of the younger boys where I can; I’m sort of one of the older boys now which is a different feeling for me but it’s something I’m enjoying.
“It’s good for me to try and lead the way with my actions and help them with that.”
Maguire said he had been impressed with Roberts who spent three weeks with the club part-time before joining the full-time squad this week.
“He has done everything right,” Maguire said.
“And most importantly he looks happy. He has been buzzing about and getting on really well with the boys. He is happy. We all know what he can do on the field and we will give him the best opportunity to do that.”
The Tigers credited Souths with setting up a treatment plan and support system for Roberts that is still in place.

Sounds good - I hope these interviews are posted on the WT website.

 

[Tim Sheens]

“He has done everything right,” Maguire said.
“And most importantly he looks happy. He has been buzzing about and getting on really well with the boys. He is happy. We all know what he can do on the field and we will give him the best opportunity to do that.”
The Tigers credited Souths with setting up a treatment plan and support system for Roberts that is still in place.

Liking this and had hoped for this either at our club or elsewhere back when most were worried more about ulterior motives than the guy's well being.

 

[jrtiger]

James Roberts was the type of player a few years ago that I associated as the elite. a footballer I would admire from a distance, because I believed he would never even entertain the thought of coming to Wests Tigers. 2021 rolls around and here we are. if Jimmy can get his head right the rest will follow. $130k? nothing to lose. fire up Jimmy!

 

[Jedi_Tiger]

I really hope JTJ has a great year,he has still got plenty to offer especially if he is over his injury...the best thing is he is keen to help and get involved with the young players,they will learn plenty from the Jet...

if we get JTJ firing we will make the 8, has genuine speed.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

I say this without knowing a thing about Jimmy's personal issues but I would think that if he is able to keep himself in top shape physically and stay on the field, I would like to think that might translate to better headspace for him. His last couple of seasons have been marred with injury and it is no surprise he's gone off the rails a bit with that loss of stability.

When you lose the comfort that stability provides things can go to pot quickly.

 

[JC99]

Just watching his highlights he’s mostly played on the right side, same as Joey, but he’s got an excellent right to left pass. Multiple times he’s thrown perfect spiral balls to his left on to the chest of his team mate. Could end up on the left hand side for us I think.

 

[twentyforty]

I say this without knowing a thing about Jimmy's personal issues but I would think that if he is able to keep himself in top shape physically and stay on the field, I would like to think that might translate to better headspace for him. His last couple of seasons have been marred with injury and it is no surprise he's gone off the rails a bit with that loss of stability.

When you lose the comfort that stability provides things can go to pot quickly.

You could be right? We all respond well in a stable environment with a routine of behaviour which is seen to get us closer to our goals. I imagine the injuries would have applied more pressure on the already existing pressure of being game ready. No doubt he will get a lot of confidence from being around a positive group. I would love to see him recapture some of his electrifying form. He’s one player who can really light up a game.

 

[avocadoontoast]

JTJ is the signing i'm most excited about. We've been after some pace in the backline for so long.

 

[Cultured_Bogan]

Just watching his highlights he’s mostly played on the right side, same as Joey, but he’s got an excellent right to left pass. Multiple times he’s thrown perfect spiral balls to his left on to the chest of his team mate. Could end up on the left hand side for us I think.

After the less than inspiring year that BJ had, I would certainly put Jimmy wherever he is best suited and if that means BJ moves, so be it. I also believe that BJ has played both on the left and right.

 

[Mighty_Tiger]

JTJ is the signing i'm most excited about. We've been after some pace in the backline for so long.

As a typical Wests Tigers supporter we are use to heart attacks, rocks and diamonds.

I’m really excited but at the same time very worried about him being here.

I just hope during the 1st few games we start strong and give him space to hit the ground with confidence.

Potential wise he could be the difference between 9th and top 8 he can be that good but he is on a KPI contract for a reason.

We will need to be patient with him given how long he has been away from the game.

 

[TrueTiger]

Most of you guys on here who seem to see the negative in all that the WTs do,I would like to say that in my opinion that Madge is very good with not just the players but with people...It is my sole reason why I believe that JTJ was in a terrible space that he reached out to Madge,a person he trusts and knows will not only help him but support him through his dark days,hence his new outlook on football and life....realistically and I can speak from experience,some of us only need someone to believe in us and support us for us to shine through...I think we may see a completely new JTJ under Madges care..;

 

[Tiger5150]

This might sound ridiculous, but the photos posted, he LOOKS fast, something about the way he runs.

 

[hsvjones]

Most of you guys on here who seem to see the negative in all that the WTs do,I would like to say that in my opinion that Madge is very good with not just the players but with people...It is my sole reason why I believe that JTJ was in a terrible space that he reached out to Madge,a person he trusts and knows will not only help him but support him through his dark days,hence his new outlook on football and life....realistically and I can speak from experience,some of us only need someone to believe in us and support us for us to shine through...I think we may see a completely new JTJ under Madges care..;

Agree 100% mate. I think he will kill it this year providing no injuries..
He will have a point to prove and also will want to earn another contract. I am very excited about JTJ

 

[Speed2burn]

This might sound ridiculous, but the photos posted, he LOOKS fast, something about the way he runs.

Roberts at full tilt was probably faster than JAC , I remember he mowed Shaun Johnson down with ease , and Johnson had about a 10-15 meter head start