Wests Tigers sign James Roberts till 2022

[happy_tiger]

Sure he is not the most all round complete package footballer, but having him on the right today we saw an extra ounce of pace we haven't seen at the tigers for a long time. He only got a few chances as Madden struggled to open us up on the right, but everytime he did he looked good...2 half line breaks and a good try.

With Laurie, Liddle and Roberts all in the starting 13, we finally have an extra yard of pace.

Brooks is quite fast aswell

I was about to post the same thing. Brooksy gets those little legs pumping.

In 2019 yes ...haven't seen it for a long while ...thats the problem

You seem to death-ride him quite a bit. Sure he had an ordinary year last year, didn't they all as a team

Sure he is not the most all round complete package footballer, but having him on the right today we saw an extra ounce of pace we haven't seen at the tigers for a long time. He only got a few chances as Madden struggled to open us up on the right, but everytime he did he looked good...2 half line breaks and a good try.

With Laurie, Liddle and Roberts all in the starting 13, we finally have an extra yard of pace.

Brooks is quite fast aswell

I was about to post the same thing. Brooksy gets those little legs pumping.

In 2019 yes ...haven't seen it for a long while ...thats the problem

You seem to death-ride Brooks quite a bit. Sure he had an ordinary season last year but most of our team did. Brooks was good today, credit where it's due. Stepping out of Benji's domineering presence wouldn't be easy, confident he will do it this year.

So you reckon he seems as quick in 2020 and 2021 as he was in previous seasons ????

That was the simple point I made .....just put him in our Top 3 for today with my comments to CB about the trial

So if I death rode Brooks and put him in the Top 3 ....what the bloody hell am I doing to the 25th ranked player

You've kicked the guts out of him in plenty of threads. Eating humble pie today and putting him in the votes doesn't change that fact.

And I do it because it annoys Geo .......as does Hobbo.......

This coming from someone who kicks the crap out of the best player in the last 10 years ....climb off your box ........someone needs the wood

huh..Doesn't bother me one bit..

Sorry .....you had your 7 XL cranky pants on a few months ago ...didn't you .....

 

[hobbo1]

Sure he is not the most all round complete package footballer, but having him on the right today we saw an extra ounce of pace we haven't seen at the tigers for a long time. He only got a few chances as Madden struggled to open us up on the right, but everytime he did he looked good...2 half line breaks and a good try.

With Laurie, Liddle and Roberts all in the starting 13, we finally have an extra yard of pace.

Brooks is quite fast aswell

I was about to post the same thing. Brooksy gets those little legs pumping.

In 2019 yes ...haven't seen it for a long while ...thats the problem

You seem to death-ride him quite a bit. Sure he had an ordinary year last year, didn't they all as a team

Sure he is not the most all round complete package footballer, but having him on the right today we saw an extra ounce of pace we haven't seen at the tigers for a long time. He only got a few chances as Madden struggled to open us up on the right, but everytime he did he looked good...2 half line breaks and a good try.

With Laurie, Liddle and Roberts all in the starting 13, we finally have an extra yard of pace.

Brooks is quite fast aswell

I was about to post the same thing. Brooksy gets those little legs pumping.

In 2019 yes ...haven't seen it for a long while ...thats the problem

You seem to death-ride Brooks quite a bit. Sure he had an ordinary season last year but most of our team did. Brooks was good today, credit where it's due. Stepping out of Benji's domineering presence wouldn't be easy, confident he will do it this year.

So you reckon he seems as quick in 2020 and 2021 as he was in previous seasons ????

That was the simple point I made .....just put him in our Top 3 for today with my comments to CB about the trial

So if I death rode Brooks and put him in the Top 3 ....what the bloody hell am I doing to the 25th ranked player

You've kicked the guts out of him in plenty of threads. Eating humble pie today and putting him in the votes doesn't change that fact.

And I do it because it annoys Geo .......as does Hobbo.......

This coming from someone who kicks the crap out of the best player in the last 10 years ....climb off your box ........someone needs the wood

Don’t throw me under the Bus !
I call the games as I see them ?

But I agree with @Geo & @Fade_To_Black ....you’re the president of the death riders association ☠️

Yep ...and we are on our way ...Hobbo's going on a long swim in Warragamba ......gunna be cuddlin his brick as well ....

You’re gonna need a bigger brick ?

 

[happy_tiger]

Sure he is not the most all round complete package footballer, but having him on the right today we saw an extra ounce of pace we haven't seen at the tigers for a long time. He only got a few chances as Madden struggled to open us up on the right, but everytime he did he looked good...2 half line breaks and a good try.

With Laurie, Liddle and Roberts all in the starting 13, we finally have an extra yard of pace.

Brooks is quite fast aswell

I was about to post the same thing. Brooksy gets those little legs pumping.

In 2019 yes ...haven't seen it for a long while ...thats the problem

You seem to death-ride him quite a bit. Sure he had an ordinary year last year, didn't they all as a team

Sure he is not the most all round complete package footballer, but having him on the right today we saw an extra ounce of pace we haven't seen at the tigers for a long time. He only got a few chances as Madden struggled to open us up on the right, but everytime he did he looked good...2 half line breaks and a good try.

With Laurie, Liddle and Roberts all in the starting 13, we finally have an extra yard of pace.

Brooks is quite fast aswell

I was about to post the same thing. Brooksy gets those little legs pumping.

In 2019 yes ...haven't seen it for a long while ...thats the problem

You seem to death-ride Brooks quite a bit. Sure he had an ordinary season last year but most of our team did. Brooks was good today, credit where it's due. Stepping out of Benji's domineering presence wouldn't be easy, confident he will do it this year.

So you reckon he seems as quick in 2020 and 2021 as he was in previous seasons ????

That was the simple point I made .....just put him in our Top 3 for today with my comments to CB about the trial

So if I death rode Brooks and put him in the Top 3 ....what the bloody hell am I doing to the 25th ranked player

You've kicked the guts out of him in plenty of threads. Eating humble pie today and putting him in the votes doesn't change that fact.

And I do it because it annoys Geo .......as does Hobbo.......

This coming from someone who kicks the crap out of the best player in the last 10 years ....climb off your box ........someone needs the wood

Don’t throw me under the Bus !
I call the games as I see them ?

But I agree with @Geo & @Fade_To_Black ....you’re the president of the death riders association ☠️

Yep ...and we are on our way ...Hobbo's going on a long swim in Warragamba ......gunna be cuddlin his brick as well ....

You’re gonna need a bigger brick ?

That head of yours will help weigh you down lol

 

[simonthetiger]

I know its only one game but damn I haven't seen a guy this fast in bloody years. every time he got the ball he hit top gear straight away.

Honestly, his pace reminded me of Corowa and every time he got the ball I was on my feet like I was when the flash got the pill. And I wasn't on my own either!!

Cant wait to see him get some good ball!!

 

[Newtown]

Sydney Morning Herald
‘I just wanted a normal life': Why Roberts almost quit the NRL
Adam Pengilly 3 hrs ago

A "hungry" James Roberts has admitted he thought about walking away from the NRL and leading a "normal life" free of the media spotlight before rekindling his love for the game at the Wests Tigers.

Roberts, 27, said his headspace was the best it had been for years as he fights to resurrect a career hanging in the balance after last season at the Rabbitohs.

The former NSW representative spoke extensively for the first time about how close he came to quitting the NRL. He was released on compassionate grounds by South Sydney after a year in which he struggled with his mental health during COVID-19.

The Rabbitohs even pledged to provide financial help for his welfare after his exit from Redfern.

Many feared it would be the last club Roberts would play for in the NRL after a season-ending pectoral injury in 2020, but the speedster was handed a lifeline by the Tigers and old coach Michael Maguire, who Roberts crossed paths with at South Sydney.

"At one stage I was thinking of throwing it all in and just getting away from rugby league, the media and all [the] negative stuff and pressures and just focus on my family ... and I guess live a normal life," Roberts said. "Luckily I had some time away and I found that hunger again. I found a good balance with my family and I'm just enjoying everything.

"I can't remember the last time [I was in such a good mindset], maybe in 2018 at the Broncos. I've got a clear head and I'm just enjoying my footy and enjoying my life outside of footy and there's a lot to look forward to at the club."

Roberts was at his electric best on his first appearance in Tigers colours as they walloped an under-strength Manly during a trial at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.

He almost scored with his first touch, grabbed a Luke Brooks kick to touch down and also laid down next to fullback Daine Laurie on the sideline after both were given an early shower by Maguire.

Roberts' cut-price deal with the Tigers could be one of the great heists of the season should he recapture the form that earned him a spot in Brad Fittler's State of Origin squad a few years ago.

"I realised I really do love the game and it's my dream to do what I do," Roberts said. "I thought I would just give it another crack and just enjoy it more instead of making it my job. just enjoy coming training and laughing with the boys.

"I've sort of changed my whole mindset. [I'm] starting over and just being grateful for my job and the opportunity that I have, not worrying about the pressures and that outside noise. I'm just doing what I know I'm capable of [and] enjoying my day-to-day life as well outside of footy. I feel very comfy [at the club]."

Roberts will form a potent right-edge tandem with David Nofoaluma, but it's the guidance of Maguire that helped salvage his career.

Maguire was in charge of the Rabbitohs when Roberts was sacked for off-field misdemeanours in 2012, but the coach saw enough in his former player to bring him to Concord.

"Over the years we've had our differences," Roberts said. "I was a lot younger and a lot wilder. I had a few things going on. My priorities weren't in order.

"Now I'm in a good mind frame and it's good to work with him and try and excel my game on and off the field and help the young lads. He's been really supportive of me and helped me a lot. And so is the club as well, so I'm really thankful for that."

 

[Geo]

Just saw on 9 News Roberts has moved in with Nofoaluma..

And it's his Birthday..there was balloons not sure about CAKE..

 

[upthetigers]

I know its only one game but damn I haven't seen a guy this fast in bloody years. every time he got the ball he hit top gear straight away.

Honestly, his pace reminded me of Corowa and every time he got the ball I was on my feet like I was when the flash got the pill. And I wasn't on my own either!!

Cant wait to see him get some good ball!!

He's got more speed than Oxford St.

 

[Fade.To.Black]

I know its only one game but damn I haven't seen a guy this fast in bloody years. every time he got the ball he hit top gear straight away.

Honestly, his pace reminded me of Corowa and every time he got the ball I was on my feet like I was when the flash got the pill. And I wasn't on my own either!!

Cant wait to see him get some good ball!!

He's got more speed than Oxford St.

Hopefully.
Fingers crossed The Jet runs like a thunderbolt this year. If he excels we are in the 8.

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

JTJ set for 150 games

James Roberts will play his 150th NRL game, while also making his Wests Tigers debut this Sunday against the Canberra Raiders. 👏
https://www.weststigers.com.au/news/2021/03/13/jet-set-for-150-games/

 

[Tiger_Fanatic3]

**The Wayne Bennett sledge that could help James Roberts form the NRL’s most potent backline combination**

After six seasons under Bennett at South Sydney and Brisbane, Roberts has joined the Tigers in a bid to revive his enigmatic career.

The former NSW Blues flyer looked comfortable on debut for Wests, producing a freakish flick pass for Nofoaluma to score.

Roberts’ moment of brilliance can be attributed to a gibe he received from Bennett during his two-year tenure at the Rabbitohs.

“I’ve already had a chat to James (about him stealing tries off me),” said Nofoaluma, who was the Tigers’ leading try scorer last season with 17 tries.

“We had a conversation about when he was with Wayne Bennett at Souths and Wayne told him, ‘You know you are also paid to pass’.

“I actually laughed and told him that all changes now because I like to score tries. James has taken that on-board, and it showed last weekend when he gave me the ball and I went over for a try.”

Try-scoring banter aside, Nofoaluma couldn’t be happier to join forces in the Tigers’ backline with a proven flyer like Roberts.

He believes the duo possess the ability to become the game’s most formidable attacking partnership.

“The more games we play together, the more confidence and combinations we are going to build,” he said.

“That is going to help us form something that will be dangerous.”

 

[TheDaBoss]

Yes yes nofo we like u seeing u score. . But i want to see the jet in fullflight

 

[nrlsurvivor]

James Roberts being investigated for breaching Covid protocols by attending the fight last night. Apparently Latrell and Cody also attended but won’t be punished as they were given dispensation.

 

[851]

James Roberts being investigated for breaching Covid protocols by attending the fight last night. Apparently Latrell and Cody also attended but won’t be punished as they were given dispensation.

I see what you did there

 

[tony soprano]

Dam you Instagram

 

[gato]

James Roberts being investigated for breaching Covid protocols by attending the fight last night. Apparently Latrell and Cody also attended but won’t be punished as they were given dispensation.

Apparently it's more about not wearing face masks rather than attending the actual fight though

 

[TheDaBoss]

Who cares

Tim tzyu won

😁😁😏😏

 

[Newtown]

NRL asks Roberts to explain fight night but Walker, Mitchell cleared
Author
Dan Walsh
NRL.com Reporter
Timestamp
Thu 1 Apr 2021, 11:23 AM
Dan Walsh

Wests Tigers have confirmed James Roberts attended the Tim Tszyu v Dennis Hogan fight on Wednesday and are in discussions with NRL officials about a possible biosecurity breach by the centre.

Parramatta utility Will Smith is also understood to have been at the bout against NRL protocols, with the Eels seeking further information about his attendance.

The NRL emailed clubs on Wednesday afternoon advising that players were not permitted to attend the bout after enacting level-two protocols earlier in the week.

Rabbitohs stars Cody Walker and Latrell Mitchell were also at the fight at the Newcastle Entertainment Centre but attended with NRL approval.

The pair were granted an exemption to be part of Tszyu's entourage in his biosecurity bubble, provided they wore masks and socially distanced throughout the night.

It is understood Roberts did not seek an exemption to attend the fight and did not wear a mask.

Walker and Mitchell trained with South Sydney on Thursday morning to prepare for their Good Friday clash against Canterbury.

Under the new restrictions, players must wear masks while indoors at public venues.

Wests Tigers officials are understood to be explaining the circumstances of Roberts's attendance to NRL counterparts on Thursday.

He has been named to play against Parramatta on Easter Monday.

The NRL issued a range of punishments including fines and suspensions for COVID-19 protocol breaches last year.

 

[weststigerman]

We're dumb on the field and off the field.

Souths managed to do it right, we bungled it. Much lower impact, but it reminds me of the Farah ambassador stuff.

 

[tony soprano]

Lie lie lie my advice. I was wearing a mask most of the night

 

[The_Patriot]

Sorry if its already been mentioned but why were Mitchell and Walker given permission to attend when others like those at the Knights were not.