James Roberts believes a focus on team goals rather than his try-scoring haul has made him a better NRL player this year as he chases a NSW jersey.

In his first post-training interview since re-signing last July, the Brisbane centre revealed he hadn’t spoken to Blues coach Brad Fittler since the season began but felt he was ready for the State of Origin cauldron.

The former Gold Coast flyer struggled at Red Hill on his 2016 arrival, with a successful stint in rehabilitation to address an ongoing battle with alcohol leading to a new four-year deal being inked last season.

A prolific try-scorer last season, a relaxed and comfortable Roberts explained on Tuesday that his game has developed further in 2018.

“I’m doing all the kind of different little things,” he said.

“Not scoring as many tries but I’m trying to really work on my defence and it’s paying off, doing the extras at training.

“It’d be great to play for New South Wales, it’s obviously a career dream of mine and be a good box to tick.”

“I think I’m good enough for it; whether I’m in the side is up to Brad Fittler.”

Roberts said Fittler had spoken to him earlier this year “just see how I’m going” but hadn’t heard from him since.

The 25-year-old will have the perfect chance to state his case against the Sydney Roosters on Friday night, up against fellow contender Latrell Mitchell.

Roberts joked he still had an imprint of Mitchell’s palm on his chest from the 20-year-old’s vicious fend that led to a try in last year’s finals series.

“He’s very tall, very strong and has some speed as well, so I’ve got my hands full this week,” Roberts said.

With a raft of injuries to senior players, hooker Andrew McCullough admitted Roberts had become even more important to the ninth-placed Broncos.

“Jimmy’s been around for a little while, is a bit of an X-factor,” McCullough said.

“They’ve got some quality centres there; we need to give James early ball, let him do his thing and not complicate it for him.”