James Roberts scores greatest try of his career in epic duel with Origin rival Latrell Mitchell

IN one of the best one-on-one battles of recent years, James Roberts got the last laugh on Origin rival Latrell Mitchell after scoring one of the greatest tries of his career.

Jimmy the Jet roasts Chooks Darius Boyd of the Broncos (left) and his teammate celebrate a try during the Round 11 NRL match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Sydney Roosters at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, Friday, May 18, 2018. (AAP Image/Dan Peled) NO ARCHIVING, EDITORIAL USE ONLY

WHILE many eyes were on the battle for the Queensland No. 9 jersey between Andrew McCullough and Jake Friend in Brisbane’s clash with the Roosters, it was the showdown in the centres between Roberts and Latrell Mitchell that proved the most thrilling clash of the night.

Mitchell looked to be the early winner in the contest for a Blues jersey — setting up Luke Keary for two tries — but Roberts had the last laugh after he produced a miracle play to help Brisbane claim the upset victory.

With just seven minutes left on the clock and the Roosters in front 22-16, the Brisbane flyer raced 70m and beat five defenders to help equal the scores.

Roberts produced one of the great individual tries.

Coach Wayne Bennett praised Roberts for his ability to “not let his demons get to him” after missing a tackle earlier that led to one of Keary’s tries.

He said NSW coach Brad Fittler would be “crazy” to overlook him for Origin.

“James did what only James can do,” he said.

“That’s why he’s here ... It was incredible that try.

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“He just wasted them all in the end.

“I don’t think Brad Fittler’s that crazy that he didn’t see what happened tonight.

“(Roberts) is much more mature than he was. He held it together mentally.

“The character was in the fact he didn’t let his demons get to him.”

Roberts and Mitchell are both in contention for Brad Fittler’s Origin side for the series opener at the MCG.

The two may yet be teammates for the clash with Queensland but Euan Aitken, Josh Dugan and Tom Trbojevic are also in contention for a spot in the centres.

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