Rabbitohs centre James Roberts checks into rehabilitation facility
South Sydney coach Wayne Bennett has given emphatic support to James Roberts, after the Rabbitohs centre checked into a rehabilitation facility for the third time in his career.
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Wayne Bennett has vowed to stand by Souths star James Roberts and insists he will not retire as the former Bronco wages another personal battle in rehab.
As revealed by The Courier-Mail, Roberts checked into a mental-health facility two weeks ago following private discussions with South Sydney officials, including coach Bennett and chief executive Blake Solly.
Souths officials are deeply concerned for Roberts’ emotional wellbeing. The club has been providing support over the past 14 days after Roberts confided in Bennett he was struggling mentally, prompting the Rabbitohs to grant “The Jet” compassionate leave.
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It is the third time in four years the former NSW Origin ace has sought professional treatment after two previous visits to a rehab facility in Thailand to address issues with alcohol, anxiety and depression.
Just 12 months ago, Roberts was thrown a lifeline by the Rabbitohs and Bennett, his former coach at the Broncos, after he fell out of favour at Red Hill under new Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold.
Roberts’ latest cry for help has raised doubts over his long-term future in the NRL, but Bennett says the 27-year-old cannot be lost to rugby league.
“James will be coming back, there is no suggestion he will walk away from football. He needs football,” Bennett said.
“There’s nothing sinister to this. James is struggling and he needs time to sort some things out.
“James is trying to deal with a lot of personal stuff. I will stand by James. He is coming back to training and he will be playing again this season.
“I don’t know how long it (his stint in rehab) will go on, but we just need to work through it.”
The coronavirus pandemic has tested the resolve of many NRL players and Roberts, who has previously spoken of private struggles related to his childhood, has gone off the rails in recent weeks.
It is understood alcohol abuse is not at the core of Roberts’ current problem, with the former Broncos strike centre instead dealing with some personal demons.
Once regarded as the fastest man in the NRL, Roberts had a mixed return to Redfern last season, scoring one try from 12 games.
Determined to recapture his speed and attacking thrust, Roberts had a superb off-season, stripping 8kg from his frame in a bid to reclaim his NSW Origin jumper and vindicate Bennett’s decision to sign him.
Roberts played the opening two games this season before the COVID-19 saga forced the NRL into suspension. He is unlikely to feature in Souths’ next game for the NRL’s planned return on May 28.
Roberts, who scored 40 tries in 79 games for the Broncos, had two stints in rehab at Red Hill under Bennett, firstly in 2016 before a return trip to Thailand in 2018.
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When content, the Indigenous All Star is one of the most dangerous attackers in the game.
Asked if he can ever truly help Roberts find inner peace, Bennett was philosophical.
“A lot of NRL players have been lost during this time. We haven’t been playing,” he said.
“For all of us, life is a journey. For James, his life has been a difficult journey compared to most of us.
“He is trying to get to a place where he functions … as opposed to that other place where he finds it hard to function.”
If you or someone you know may be struggling with mental issues, contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.
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