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James Roberts has played his last game for South Sydney.
Roberts has been told that his services are no longer required, despite the fact he is contracted to the club for 2021. The former NSW centre has accepted the club’s decision and is searching for a new home for next season.
Newcastle has emerged as a potential destination, as coach Adam O’Brien seeks to add another strike three-quarter to a back line already featuring young gun Bradman Best.
The Rabbitohs will add injured duo Latrell Mitchell and Braidon Burns to a roster already boasting outside backs Dane Gagai, Campbell Graham, Alex Johnston, Corey Allan, Jaxson Paulo and Steven Marsters next year.
Mitchell is a free agent from November 1 and Souths are keen to extend his stay at Redfern. The club also has Joseph Suaalii on its books for next season, although the teenage fullback could seek a release to join a rival NRL club or switch to rugby union.
Sydney Roosters are a potential destination, although Souths don’t want to release Suaalii to their arch-rivals.
Roberts followed coach Wayne Bennett from Brisbane to Redfern in the belief the seven-times premiership winner could unlock his best football. However, injuries and off-field issues have restricted the 27-year-old to just 18 NRL appearances in the cardinal and myrtle during the past two years.
The former Titans, Broncos and Panthers back hasn’t played since South Sydney’s round-six loss to Newcastle in July. He struggled during the COVID lockdown with life in isolation, missing the structure and camaraderie that training provides.
The man dubbed "Jimmy the Jet" was admitted to a rehabilitation facility for anxiety and depression, the third time he has sought professional help.
Speaking on the Refuse to Lose Podcast in May with Nine journalist Jake Duke, Roberts said he was constantly on the move during his childhood, spending time at 10 schools while residing with relatives and strangers. It created issues that have resurfaced in his adult life and affected his mental health.
"It's gotten really bad,” Roberts said. “There were times where I didn't want to live at some stage. There were a couple of times, and the alcohol and all those other things didn't help.”
When fit and focused, Roberts is undoubtedly one of the most potent outside backs in the game. The Kempsey product was named Dally M centre of the year in 2015, played three games for NSW during their successful Origin campaign in 2018 and is considered one of the fastest men in the NRL when fit.
The Knights are an option, but several other clubs are also in need of a strike centre. Parramatta are expecting to be without Michael Jennings after the veteran back provided a positive A sample to performance-enhancing substances earlier this month.
The Bulldogs also have money to bolster a back line set to welcome Raiders recruit Nick Cotric, but their immediate focus is on out-of-favour Rooster Kyle Flanagan.
The Rabbitohs have additional salary cap space after Ethan Lowe was forced into premature retirement due to a neck injury that required surgery. The former Maroons forward was under contract for next year but opted to end his career on medical advice.
www.smh.com.au
Roberts has been told that his services are no longer required, despite the fact he is contracted to the club for 2021. The former NSW centre has accepted the club’s decision and is searching for a new home for next season.
Newcastle has emerged as a potential destination, as coach Adam O’Brien seeks to add another strike three-quarter to a back line already featuring young gun Bradman Best.
The Rabbitohs will add injured duo Latrell Mitchell and Braidon Burns to a roster already boasting outside backs Dane Gagai, Campbell Graham, Alex Johnston, Corey Allan, Jaxson Paulo and Steven Marsters next year.
Mitchell is a free agent from November 1 and Souths are keen to extend his stay at Redfern. The club also has Joseph Suaalii on its books for next season, although the teenage fullback could seek a release to join a rival NRL club or switch to rugby union.
Sydney Roosters are a potential destination, although Souths don’t want to release Suaalii to their arch-rivals.
Roberts followed coach Wayne Bennett from Brisbane to Redfern in the belief the seven-times premiership winner could unlock his best football. However, injuries and off-field issues have restricted the 27-year-old to just 18 NRL appearances in the cardinal and myrtle during the past two years.
The former Titans, Broncos and Panthers back hasn’t played since South Sydney’s round-six loss to Newcastle in July. He struggled during the COVID lockdown with life in isolation, missing the structure and camaraderie that training provides.
The man dubbed "Jimmy the Jet" was admitted to a rehabilitation facility for anxiety and depression, the third time he has sought professional help.
Speaking on the Refuse to Lose Podcast in May with Nine journalist Jake Duke, Roberts said he was constantly on the move during his childhood, spending time at 10 schools while residing with relatives and strangers. It created issues that have resurfaced in his adult life and affected his mental health.
"It's gotten really bad,” Roberts said. “There were times where I didn't want to live at some stage. There were a couple of times, and the alcohol and all those other things didn't help.”
When fit and focused, Roberts is undoubtedly one of the most potent outside backs in the game. The Kempsey product was named Dally M centre of the year in 2015, played three games for NSW during their successful Origin campaign in 2018 and is considered one of the fastest men in the NRL when fit.
The Knights are an option, but several other clubs are also in need of a strike centre. Parramatta are expecting to be without Michael Jennings after the veteran back provided a positive A sample to performance-enhancing substances earlier this month.
The Bulldogs also have money to bolster a back line set to welcome Raiders recruit Nick Cotric, but their immediate focus is on out-of-favour Rooster Kyle Flanagan.
The Rabbitohs have additional salary cap space after Ethan Lowe was forced into premature retirement due to a neck injury that required surgery. The former Maroons forward was under contract for next year but opted to end his career on medical advice.
Rabbitohs show former Origin star Roberts the door
The man dubbed "Jimmy the Jet" has been told there is no future for him at South Sydney.
