Michael Roberts allegedly returned positive drug test
A retired NRL star’s brother who was set to start training full-time with a first grade side allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test before he was arrested on a warrant for drug supply.
Police & Courts
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A rising NRL prospect who was set to start training with a first grade side allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test before he was arrested and spent a night in a police cell on an outstanding warrant for drug supply.
Retired NRL superstar James Roberts’ younger brother, Michael, had been named by the South Sydney Rabbitohs to start full-time pre-season training and in their Jersey Flegg side when a brush with the law brought it all undone.
Michael, 21, was charged with supplying an indictable quantity of cocaine and participating in a criminal group in NSW’s Northern Rivers in 2023, to which he has pleaded not guilty.
But a magistrate issued a bench warrant for his arrest after he allegedly failed to attend Ballina Local Court as required on October 18.
Police caught up to him in Ballina at 6.25pm on November 2 – where the drama only deepened.
“During the stop, the driver allegedly returned a positive roadside drug test,” NSW Police said in a statement.
“A further oral fluid sample was obtained and has been sent for analysis.”
Michael was taken to Ballina police station, where the outstanding warrant for the cocaine supply and participating in a criminal group was executed.
He spent a night on remand in the police cells before he was granted strict conditional bail the following day at Lismore Bail Court to abstain from drugs and alcohol, report to police daily, and reside with his mother in Tweed Heads West.
He is also forbidden to contact his co-accused, and half-brother Trevor Bolt.
Michael’s licence was suspended for 24 hours following the roadside test and he was also issued an infringement notice for failing to display P plates.
A Rabbitohs spokesman confirmed the rising NRL prospect’s time with the club was up before he could even sign on the dotted line.
“The South Sydney Rabbitohs have been made aware of an issue with Michael Roberts,” the spokesman said.
“Michael did not start training with the club this week and will not be joining the club.”
A document was tendered to the court detailing Michael’s alleged involvement in dial-a-dealer style cocaine supply after a Richmond Police District probe into cocaine supply in the NSW Northern Rivers.
“Throughout the investigation, police monitored and recorded (Michael) participating in the following supplies of cocaine with the co-accused person,” police allege in the document.
“Police will assert (Michael) and (Bolt) used phones to conduct and arrange the drug transactions.”
Police will allege they recorded Michael having phone conversations with his half-brother on February 18 and April 20, and April 21 to arrange cocaine deals to customers in Wollongbar and Ballina.
In an unrelated incident, James was also before court this week on charges of possessing cannabis and $1400 in allegedly unlawfully obtained cash.
James is not accused of any involvement or wrongdoing in the proceedings involving his brother Michael.
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