Stawell Gift-winning coach says he would jump at the chance to work with NRL speedster James Roberts

A FOUR-time Stawell Gift-winning coach says he would jump at the chance to take NRL speed demon James Roberts to Australia’s richest footrace.

A FOUR-time Stawell Gift-winning coach says he would jump at the chance to take NRL speed demon James Roberts to Australia’s richest footrace.

Viking Athletics coach Brett Robinson, who finished second at the 2006 Stawell Gift before coaching Murray Goodwin, Mitchell Williams-Swain, Matt Rizzo and Elizabeth Forsyth to victory over the past eight years, believes Brisbane Broncos flyer Roberts has the raw talent to make the switch to sprinting.

James Roberts in action for the Broncos against the Cowboys in March. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

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The NSW State of Origin star, 25, is widely regarded as the fastest man in rugby league, underlining his speed with a scintillating try against the Roosters earlier this season.

Robina-based Robinson, a two-time world beach sprint champion, said he kept a close eye on speed merchants from other sports and would relish the chance to mentor the former Gold Coast Titan.

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Sprint coaching guru Brett Robinson. Picture: Mike Batterham

“If James Roberts came to me and said ‘I want to win the Stawell Gift’, I’d be all about it,” Robinson, 38, said.

“I think about that with most footballers but with the volume (of running) they do they just can’t be fast. James Roberts is incredibly fast but whether he can get faster while still doing football training is highly debatable.

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“I’d love to work with a national football team, I’d love to assist those guys. I just enjoy working with passionate people. It could be a netballer, to be honest.”

For more on Robinson’s decorated career as an athlete and coach, pick up a copy of Saturday’s Gold Coast Bulletin.