Why Ben Roberts is Rubbish: In read with a mixture of overwhelming anger and a good deal of amusement
"The Curious Case of Ben Roberts" on RLeague by Gee Gunaidi, an article very well received by those in the offices who adore, for whatever reason, Roberts.
I have little choice but to respond. I won't delve into too much detail. Most of my case against Roberts has been outlined over about three to four years of weekly rugby league writing. And most sane rugby league fans merely need to watch him play to see plainly the case against Roberts. But I will point a few things out.
There is little doubt that in terms of natural physical gifts, Roberts has something, perhaps even enough to be a first grader. He can run when he wants too. He has a big kick. His passing game is decent. But whatever natural talent he does have is more than offset by his unmatched stupidity and lazy play.
There is no player in the NRL with such a low football IQ. Jason Ryles looks like Einstein in comparison when it comes to football smarts, such is Roberts' standing.
Example one, 2008, Canterbury-South Sydney, 30-30, Bulldogs scrum 20 metres out from South Sydney's line, centre field. It is clear the Dogs will work for a match-winning field goal. Roberts gets the ball from the scrum, grubbers for himself on the first, Canterbury lose possession, South Sydney win the game.
Example two, 2010, Canterbury-Penrith, Penrith 12-12, Canterbury attacking deep. Rather than play the percentages, Roberts puts in a moronic grubber in the corner that turns over possession. Canterbury never get another chance. Penrith win.
Kris Keating is no superstar. He is barely a first grader. But at least he doesn't play like a total and utter moron. This piece won't convince those lovers of Roberts to change their opinion. Neither will his inevitable failure as the Parramatta No.6 in 2012. They will still continue to get aroused by one game against the Broncos. And they will continue to be wrong on their talent assessment of Roberts because part of talent is smarts, effort and preparation and Roberts gets a zero on all fronts.
I'm glad he is gone. He is Parramatta's problem now. And hopefully, for the last time, I have had to deal with this total and utter fabrication that Roberts is a talented player who was harshly treated. He got 93 first grade games at Canterbury. That is about 90 more than he deserved, meaning he got about 30 times better treatment than was warranted.
