Jimmy the Jet to fly with Seagulls after Broncos demotion

Demoted Brisbane Broncos flyer James Roberts will play his first game for Wynnum Manly Seagulls in their clash with Norths Devils on Sunday, just hours before the NSW Origin team is selected.

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Demoted Brisbane Broncos flyer James Roberts will play his first game for Wynnum Manly Seagulls in their clash with Norths Devils on Sunday.

Roberts is yet to feature in the Intrust Super Cup since being dropped from the top grade after Brisbane’s mauling by South Sydney in Round 8.

Seagulls coach Adam Brideson was understandably excited at the inclusion of the NSW Blues incumbent centre, who will train with the club on Saturday.

“James is a very talented player and we look forward to welcoming him into our side.”

The move comes just days after Brisbane legend Steve Renouf appealed for Roberts not to quit the Broncos.

Roberts will face the Devils just hours before NSW coach Brad Fittler unveils his Blues side for Origin I next Wednesday.

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Can Roberts find a path back to Seibold’s favour? Image: AAP Image/Darren England

It will be Roberts’ first game of football in 24 days since he last appeared for the Broncos in their loss to the Rabbitohs on May 2.

Reduced to making up the numbers at Broncos training in recent weeks, Roberts’ future at Red Hill is seemingly untenable — and it will almost certainly cost “The Jet” his NSW jumper.

Fittler gave Roberts hope last week but one appearance for feeder club Wynnum Manly, however dominant it may be, will surely not be enough to help him reclaim his Blues centre spot.

There is speculation Broncos coach Anthony Seibold will never again pick Roberts for the Broncos. But Seibold insists there is no bad blood and has given the centre detailed feedback on the areas in which he must improve.

Origin is out of reach without a chance to prove himself ready. Image: Brett Costello

Despite Roberts being on the outer at Red Hill, Brisbane’s greatest centre Renouf urged the 26-year-old not to walk out on the Broncos.

“I really hope James stays there. I’d hate to see him leave,” Renouf said.

“Walking out isn’t the answer. Souths aren’t keen on him now, so I think the Broncos is the best club for James in terms of his welfare and turning him around.

“Jimmy has to bide his time and keep himself fit to capitalise on any opportunity that comes up.”

Renouf reckons Brisbane aren’t using Roberts‘ talents correctly. Image: Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

While he believes Roberts can fight back at the Broncos, Renouf says Brisbane must tailor a game plan to extract the best of the fallen Blues ace.

“I’ve always said James hasn’t been given enough clean ball to truly shine,” Renouf said.

“I still think Brisbane aren’t using him right.

“Even when Wayne Bennett was coach, I told Wayne that James needed to be on the left side, not the right, and he would be more dangerous there getting clean ball.

“Anthony Milford attacks really well down that left side, so I’d love to see James combine with him.”