James Roberts will carry a knee injury into Thursday’s clash with Melbourne

BRONCOS flyer James Roberts will carry a knee injury into Brisbane’s blockbuster clash with Melbourne on Thursday night.

James Roberts at Broncos training. Pic Annette Dew

BRONCOS flyer James Roberts will take one of the biggest gambles of his career by carrying a knee injury into tonight’s clash with the Storm.

Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett yesterday attempted to downplay concerns over Roberts, insisting the strike centre will be fit to take his place at right centre at AAMI Park.

If vision of Roberts at Red Hill at the captain’s run is any barometer, he could face a torrid workover from the Storm tonight.

Brisbane’s fastest man emerged from the sheds with his right leg heavily strapped. Roberts moved well early but as the 90-minute training session progressed, he looked less confident and limped at times.

Roberts looked uncomfortable at training on Wednesday.

In the final minutes of the session, Roberts appeared in pain, bent over with his hands on his knees.

Bennett said Roberts had hyperextended his knee in last week’s extra-time epic against the Cowboys, a scenario Storm coach Craig Bellamy is sure to exploit tonight.

“It’s just a bit of a hyperextension of his knee, but no one thinks it’s a problem,” Bennett said.

“There’s a bit of tape on it to try and stabilise it a bit but everyone is confident he is right to play. James is good.’’

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The Broncos are so confident in Roberts’ ability to play out the full 80 minutes Bennett said they would not take a player to Melbourne as insurance.

While there were concerns over Roberts, Brisbane’s injured quartet — Jordan Kahu (corked hip), Josh McGuire (leg), Tevita Pangai Jnr (ankle) and Matt Gillett (concussion) — have been cleared to play.

Roberts had one of his best games for Brisbane in the loss to the Cowboys.

“They have all come through,’’ Bennett said. “We are satisfied with their fitness levels.

“Matt has passed all his concussion tests so he is good to go as well. Everybody has been checked out and the medical staff are happy with where everyone is at.

“Jordan was there training for most of the session. He will play.”

Utility Alex Glenn was a surprise no-show at the captain’s run, but it later emerged the Kiwi Test star had been granted the day off after the birth of his child.

Glenn will take his place on Brisbane’s interchange bench, with big-name recruit Benji Marshall, who ran with the squad yesterday, to be sidelined for another week.