South Sydney speedster James Roberts charged for elbow on Bronco Corey Oates

James Roberts’ cheap shot on Brisbane’s Corey Oates won’t just hurt his own season but has the potential to seriously damage South Sydney’s finals hopes, says Rabbitohs icon Spud Carroll.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — AUGUST 23: James Roberts of the Rabbitohs is sent to the sin bin for an illegal contact with Corey Oates of the Broncos during the round 23 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Suncorp Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

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South Sydney legend Mark “Spud” Carroll believes James Roberts could cost the Rabbitohs their season, labelling his ugly elbow on former Brisbane teammate Corey Oates “ridiculous”.

Roberts won’t play until the finals after the judiciary whacked him with a Grade 2 Dangerous contact charge for his late and unnecessary hit to Oates’ head during the Bunnies’ thrilling 22-20 win over the Broncos on Friday.

The flyer faces a maximum three-week suspension but will cop a two-week suspension if he takes the early plea.

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James Roberts of the Rabbitohs is sent to the sin bin for illegal contact with Corey Oates of the Broncos. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Regardless, it’s a bitter blow for Souths who are desperate to make the top four with clashes against the Warriors (A) and Roosters (H) to finish the season.

No team has won the premiership from outside the top four in the NRL era since 1998.

The Rabbitohs, currently in fourth on 30 points, are locked in a battle with Manly and Parramatta to finish in the top four.

The absence of Roberts’ speed and proven try scoring ability could prove problematic for Souths in the remaining two rounds according to Carroll.

James Roberts shoves his elbow into Corey Oates' temple

“It has cost James’ team but it could also cost Souths their season,” fired Carroll.

“They need him momentum. It was a magnificent win over Brisbane and we are talking about that shit.

“Silly is a nice word to say. I thought it was the WWE. It was just ridiculous.

“Hopefully Souths have enough players there to fill his void. He can’t fight it — it is pretty clear cut.

“It is a brain snap. You always want to go hard against your former teammates but the way he came down with that elbow it was like he had more of a grudge.

“That isn’t how you hit a mate.”

Rabbitohs back-rower Jaydn Su’a avoided suspension despite receiving two charges for his high tackle on Brisbane centre Alex Glenn.

Su’a received with a Grade 1 careless high tackle charge and a Grade 1 dangerous contact charge but he only walked away a $1,500 fine.

On a positive note, Souths’ win over Brisbane proves the Rabbitohs have the strike power to win the premiership.

Carroll praised hooker Damien Cook for his stellar performance against the Broncos, especially his remarkable try-saving tackle on Oates in the closing minutes.

“They said it was the tackle of the season, I thought it was one of the best tackles I’ve ever seen,” Carroll said.

“It proves a little man can cut down a big man and you can’t run without legs. It was a magnificent tackle.

“He plays 80 minutes in the middle every week — he is a bloody freak.”

Originally published as South Sydney speedster James Roberts charged for elbow on Bronco Corey Oates