James Roberts feared sin bin could have cost Blues victory
JAMES Roberts described the 10 minutes he spent in the sin bin with the game on the line as the “longest” period of his life. An emotional Roberts needed to be calmed down after being dismissed to the dressing sheds during Origin II last night.
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JAMES Roberts described the 10 minutes he spent in the sin bin with the game on the line as the “longest” period of his life.
An emotional Roberts needed to be calmed down by Blues legend Paul Sironen with the former NSW prop accompanying the speedy centre to the dressing sheds. Sironen said Roberts was like a “caged tiger” as he paced up and down the ANZ Stadium rooms following his brain snap which he feared could have cost his side victory.
With 11 minutes remaining on the clock, Roberts changed direction to shoulder charge Gavin Cooper who was kick-chasing a Maroons grubber in a try scoring opportunity. It almost replicated the penalty try awarded to NSW in the opening half, except this time Tom Trbojevic easily cleaned up the ball.
That meant Queensland were denied a try but Roberts was forced to spend time in the sin bin.
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“It was the longest 10 minutes I’ve ever had,” Roberts said.
“I was hoping they weren’t going to score and I didn’t let the team down. The boys did well and they defended for each other really well and played for each other and kept them out which is what we’re about in this camp. It really showed the hunger and desire to win from all the boys. It was a really awesome feeling to know that they stuck it out and they gave me time to just get out on the field and enjoy the win with them.
“I was doing laps with Paul Sironen trying to just keep me calm and telling me to just stay warm before I go on. I was just thinking of the worst but the boys dug deep.”
Roberts returned to the field with less than two minutes remaining, spirited by the Blues ability to keep the Maroons out despite restricted to just 12 players.
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Sironen said Roberts was anxious when sidelined.
“He thought “oh shit” I’ve let them down but I told him he had to get through this and a chance to make amends,” Sironen said. “He was pacing like a caged tiger. He was up and down and walking around and around.
“He kept saying ‘how long is this, how long is this’. To his credit he trotted out a few good carries to close it out.
“Boyd Cordner came in (because of concussion) and asked if (Roberts) was in the sin bin a few times in a couple of minutes. It took the focus off (James).”
Roberts was overcome with emotion after the game when he embraced his younger brother Kirk who is wheelchair bound because of a battle with muscular dystrophy.
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“Once I saw my little brother when he arrived through the door, I just started crying and just hugging him and kissing him and it just made the whole night perfect,” Roberts said.
“Once I saw my little brother I just started crying. It’s been a long journey for me and everything that’s happened to me affects my family and my little brothers, and I’m a role model for them.
“To be able to do something to make my family proud and make my mother proud it really makes me feel good.
“It’s a dream come true to be able to achieve something so great and dedicate it all to him. He’s the reason I tick.”
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