Broncos centre James Roberts checks into rehabilitation centre in Thailand

BRISBANE centre James Roberts has checked into a rehab facility in Thailand to overcome a long-term battle with alcohol.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — SEPTEMBER 01: James Roberts of the Broncos looks dejected during the round 26 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium on September 1, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

JAMES Roberts’ controversial career has taken another twist with the Broncos centre checking into rehab.

The troubled Roberts is visiting an overseas facility in Thailand to help him overcome multifaceted personal issues, including a battle with alcohol that has almost derailed his NRL career.

Known as The Cabin, the addiction treatment centre is the same Asian clinic that Roosters halfback Mitchell Pearce checked into earlier this season.

A well-placed source said on Friday: “I know James is currently in Thailand, he’s gone over there with a close family friend.”

Roberts had a chequered finish to the season at the Broncos when he was embroiled in an alcohol-fuelled incident at The Normanby Hotel in Brisbane.

Twice sacked by former clubs Penrith and Souths, there were fears Roberts would be axed by the Broncos, who recruited him following his contract-forgery saga at the Titans.

Roberts was spared the axe but was fined $20,000 by the Broncos and ordered to undergo counselling and partake in community-service activities.

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The Broncos are aware of Roberts’ trip overseas and are doing everything possible to help the 23-year-old, who has endured a troubled childhood.

Roberts’ manager and uncle Jeremy Donovan told Channel Nine the speedster is determined to change after missing Brisbane’s finals clash against the Cowboys due to suspension.

“Missing that final broke his heart, it was the most emotional time I’ve seen him go through,” he said.

“It’s true, James has gone overseas, it’s about addressing the social issues that he has kept in the closet for a long time.

“This is James’ choice.”

At the height of Roberts’ ordeal last month, Donovan provided a candid insight into his fragile state of mind and the importance of support networks.

Roberts had an unhappy first season with the Broncos.

Donovan insisted Roberts was not an alcoholic but had some issues with the demon drink that could be solved with professional help.

“I believe it (his relationship with alcohol) is one of those things that needs to be addressed,” Donovan said.

“James has had some off-field issues with his past traumas and it hurt him deeply to read everything about this incident.

“It’s a tough time for him, but rugby league is thing that has kept James alive and we can’t take it away from him, because it’s the one thing that means so much to him.

“We need to do more to make sure that we can get this young man’s life on track.

“Sometimes these incidents are a blessing in disguise because when you aren’t brave enough to ask for help, you often blow things up until you have to accept the help.

“I’m grateful for the support for the Broncos have given James — everyone at the club cares about him as a person.”