Bronco Roberts’ NRL career in jeopardy

THE career of star Brisbane Broncos NRL star James Roberts is in jeopardy after he allegedly abused a barmaid in a drunken rage.

James Roberts’ NRL career is in jeopardy after an alleged drunken incident. Picture: Darren England

BRISBANE flyer James Roberts’ troubled NRL career is in jeopardy after an alleged drunken incident.

The Broncos’ centre was removed from the Normanby Hotel near Brisbane’s CBD about 9.30pm on Sunday after failing to comply with a request from staff to leave the premises.

It’s understood Roberts abused a female staff member after being refused service.

The Broncos issued a statement on Wednesday confirming they were investigating a “rumour involving a player” that came to their attention on Tuesday.

“No complaint has been made to the club by either the police or a member of the public,” Broncos chief executive Paul White said.

“But, as per protocol, the club passed the matter on to the integrity unit and will now work with them to ascertain the facts.”

James Roberts in training at Red Hill. Picture: Steve Pohlner

Roberts is expected to play for the Broncos on Thursday night in a crucial clash with Canterbury at Suncorp Stadium despite the allegations.

The NRL confirmed its integrity unit had been informed of an incident involving a player by the Broncos, who will investigate and report back with their findings.

The Courier-Mail reports Roberts passed out after being placed in a headlock resulting in an ambulance being called to the hotel.

A Queensland Ambulance spokeswoman told AAP paramedics had been called out to the hotel at 9.47 on Sunday night but their “services weren’t required”.

Roberts has a history of off-field indiscretions, having been sacked by Penrith and South Sydney over behaviour-related issues.

The Normanby Hotel in Brisbane where the alleged drunken incident took place. Picture: Jono Searle

The Rabbitohs released Roberts in 2011 after breaches of his playing contract including smashing a taxi window and he was cut by the Panthers in March 2014 for off-field misbehaviour.

He was thrown a lifeline by Gold Coast later in 2014 and appeared to have turned his career around, becoming one of the Titans’ best players before a contract bungle by the club resulted in him leaving to join Brisbane for the 2016 campaign.