NSW centre James Roberts insists he’s on track for next Wednesday’s State of Origin opener despite sitting out the majority of Blues training on Tuesday.
Roberts has carried an Achilles issue into camp after limping from the field in Brisbane’s win over Parramatta last Thursday and was the only player to miss part of the first training run.
After being pulled away early for extra attention from Blues training staff, Roberts returned to a field drill but ended the session watching on as Tom Trbojevic trained at centre and Nick Cotrilc filled in on the wing.
But just eight days out from the biggest game of his career so far, the livewire centre affectionately known as “Jimmy the Jet” said he wouldn’t let the problem ground him.
“It was always part of the plan just to ease into it and slowly get better during the week and do a bit more load,” Roberts said on Tuesday.
“It’s just been bothering me all pre-season so I’ve just got to monitor it today.
“So it was just a short session today.”
It wouldn’t be a Roberts ride to Origin football without at least a little bit of turbulence before landing.
Sacked by both South Sydney and Penrith for a number off-field discretions as a youngster, Roberts has always had the talent but even he admits he’s surprised to have landed an Origin jersey given the path he’s taken.
“It’s been a different journey but I wouldn’t change it for the world,” he said.
“I’ve learned a lot of things along the way.
“It was a different mind frame and different person … I’m grateful for everything that has happened so far. The good and the bad.”
For all his own lessons he’s claimed his learned, Roberts ascension to Origin football wasn’t complete until Broncos coach Wayne Bennett provided Blues mentor Brad Fittler with a tick of approval.
Bennett and the Broncos have stood by Roberts since they recruited him for the Titans at the end of 2015 following a contract bungle, including through stints in a Thai rehabilitation centre following alcohol issues.
“I really appreciate what Wayne has done for me over my career,” Roberts said.
“As a person mainly, I can’t thank him enough. He knows that and he rang me the other night and told me how proud he was of me and that really meant a lot to me.
“At the end of the day it was up to me. They didn’t do it for me. I did it myself.
“I’ve got a young family now and also just my brothers and sisters. To be a good role model for them and starting to realise that and and starting to be a lot more mature and think of others before I make wrong decisions.”
