Broncos recruit James Roberts silences his critics as Brisbane beat Gold Coast 24-16

IT TOOK James Roberts only three minutes into the derby to show the Titans why the bundling of his contract could haunt them for life.

Broncos player James Roberts crosses over to score a try during the Round 5 NRL match between the Gold Coast Titans and the Brisbane Broncos at CBUS Stadium on the Gold Coast, Friday, April 1, 2016. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

LOVE him or loathe him, no one can deny that James Roberts silenced his critics.

While the Gold Coast-loyal crowd made their feelings towards their former star clear, Brisbane’s biggest off-season recruit showed how much pride he has for his Broncos jersey — and his reputation.

In a week where everything from his loyalty to his form was questioned, it took Roberts only three minutes into the derby to show the Titans why the bundling of his contract could haunt them for life.

He danced his way towards the line, beating John Olive and Nene Macdonald to put the first points on the board and set Brisbane up for their 24-16 victory.

But it was not just any normal try for the speedy centre, who joined the Gold Coast’s hunted list after leaving the club in the pre-season.

After he scored, he raised one finger to his lips while he stared out at his one-time fans, silencing them for just a moment as he revelled in his private glory.

The build up to this game for Roberts was huge.

James Roberts makes a break against his former side, the Titans.

His former coach Neil Henry questioned whether he was really at peak form, Titans enforcer Agnatius Paasi threatened to “stick a shoulder” into him and Wayne Bennett had to defend his star signing, accusing the Titans of jealousy.

On Friday night, the welcome was what was expected.

The Titans fanatics booed when he scored, cheered when he knocked on and showed no sympathy whatsoever as he struggled with a hip injury that he suffered in the first half.

But, even in pain, Roberts handled the affair mostly with ease, if not too much enthusiasm.

Winger Jordan Kahu was never going to get a touch of the ball from his inside man, as Roberts took on the line time after time, running at his former teammates with an obvious hunger to prove everyone wrong.

His defence was near-flawless as he racked up 13 tackles, including several try-savers.

Roberts has been accused of being disloyal to the Titans following his pre-season defection over the way the club handled his contract forgery.

James Roberts celebrates scoring a try against the Titans.

Greg Bird has previously suggested the bungle was a “scapegoat” for the 2015 Dally M Centre of the Year to leave the club.

But on Friday night Roberts showed he does have heart, it just belongs with Brisbane.

His joy at every point they scored was evident and his determination to stay on the field was admirable.

He still had his mistakes, including a silly strip on David Mead in the first half.

His fitness was also a clear issue even before he suffered his hip injury, as he was seen with hands on his head, sucking in air before the 20-minute mark hit.

But overall, “Jimmy the Jet” Roberts roared into his highly-anticipated clash and came out the clear winner.

It was never going to be anything less for the former Titan.