Getting an NRL lifeline after enduring a troubled past and upbringing is only reserved to the game’s most talented and gifted stars. Penrith’s James Roberts is one of them.
The 20-year-old winger, who scored a hat-trick of tries in Penrith’s recent win against the Gold Coast, was shown the door this time last year by his junior club South Sydney after repeated breaches of his contract.
Even after all the rumours surrounding his sacking, many clubs still wanted the talented Indigenous player because of his explosive speed and try-scoring ability.
Penrith were the lucky ones to secure his signature, but the real luck fell with Roberts who was given a shot at redemption.
“This was probably my last shot in the NRL,” Roberts admitted to Extra Time.
“I feel good here at Penrith, the boys have made me feel comfortable and I’m just getting into the groove.”
So good in fact that Roberts is keen to extend his deal past 2014 and remain part of Penrith’s bright future long-term. He said he owes Penrith everything for giving him a second chance.
“That’s why I want to extend my contract because they’re the ones that have given me the second chance in my career… it’s good out here, it feels like home,” Roberts said.
The main man responsible for helping Roberts get back on his feet to find his true potential is Panthers Aboriginal Project Officer, Glen Liddiard, whom Roberts regards as a father figure.
“Glen’s helped me a lot with everything, he’s there for me and looks out for me,” Roberts said.
“If I need to go to a doctor’s appointment or see the physio he always reminds me and makes sure I don’t forget. He’s good, he’s like a dad.”
Earlier this year Liddiard found a new home for Roberts nearby to Penrith Stadium where he’d be close to training but far away from the troubled life he was living back in Redfern.
“It’s a lot more relaxing out here and quiet, and away from trouble I guess,” Roberts said.
“I guess moving away from my mates was a good thing in a way. I miss being over there but for my career it’s probably best to stay out here. I pretty much hang out with Lidds (Liddiard) every day now, which has been good.”
Roberts knows he has a good thing at Penrith and doesn’t want to ruin his chances of becoming one of the NRL’s superstars, that’s why he’s so committed to staying on the straight and narrow and leaving his demons behind.
“Obviously my friends don’t have the same life as me and I can’t really hang around with them,” Roberts said of the crowd he used to mix with at Redfern.
“They can go out whenever they want and I can’t. Out here my mum and little brothers have moved down and that’s kept me at home. It’s good to be back with my family again.”
For now, Roberts’ aim is to cement his spot in the first grade team.
From there, based on the story so far, anything is possible.
