James Roberts wants to join forces with Latrell Mitchell in Origin I

ORIGIN bolter James Roberts wants to combine forces with Roosters rival Latrell Mitchell, after both pushed their claims for a NSW call-up on Friday night.

Jimmy the Jet roasts Chooks BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — SEPTEMBER 15: James Roberts of the Broncos scores a try during the NRL Semi Final match between the Brisbane Broncos and the Penrith Panthers at Suncorp Stadium on September 15, 2017 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

ORIGIN bolter James Roberts wants to combine forces with Roosters rival Latrell Mitchell, after both pushed their claims for a NSW call-up on Friday night.

The electrifying Broncos centre gave Blues coach Brad Fittler plenty to think about following his performance against the Roosters, after Roberts scored the try that equalled the match at 22-all.

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In a moment where not a lot was going right for the home side, Roberts raced 70m and beat five defenders to score and at the same time showed Fittler why he is ready to make his Origin debut.

Roberts has a speed few can match.

But opposite him Mitchell also put in an effort that was hard to ignore, setting up two tries for playmaker Luke Keary in the first half.

While it was certainly a tale of two halves for the explosive duo — with Mitchell dominating in the first 40 minutes and Roberts taking control in the second — 25-year-old Roberts believes there could be room for both in the NSW side.

Fittler is expected to pick his team next week, with Roberts and Mitchell both major contenders for the backline.

“It would be good (to both be selected),” Roberts said.

“He’s a quality player and hard to handle out there. He’s big and strong and pretty fast as well.

Will the Broncos flyer make his Origin debut?

“It would be great (to debut for NSW) ... It’s up to the selectors and Freddie. Whoever they pick, I’m sure they’ll do a good job.”

The duo are creating a nice rivalry in the game, after the Roosters talent trampled Roberts in last year’s finals series to snatch victory for his side.

On Friday night however, it was Roberts who had the last laugh.

While Mitchell was impressive in the first half, Brisbane coach Wayne Bennett applauded Roberts’ ability to hold his head high and respond strongly.

“He held his head together,” Bennett said.

“In the past he would have went out the back door on us.

Mitchell and Roberts had a wonderful back and forth battle.

“He picked his game right up. His defence was outstanding for the rest of the night.

“He’s grown so much. It’s a real credit to him.”

And Roberts said he had learnt a lot in his time at Brisbane.

He said he was a much more mature player and he was proud of the way he was able to return the favour to Mitchell in the second half.

“I was lucky to get away with the win and get the even up on him,” Roberts said.

“I just had to get into the game with a few tough carries and let it pan out. Luckily enough, it did.

“It was really good to get some space and do my thing.

“I’ve matured as a player over the years. I just have to calm down and think things over again and get back to the basics.”

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