A couple of articles from Sporting News,
South Sydney Rabbitohs centre James Roberts eyeing off NRL premiership over NSW Origin recall in 2020
It's been a rollercoaster 18 or so months for South Sydney Rabbitohs star
James Roberts - but in 2020, his focus has shifted well away from individual accolades to claiming his first NRL title.
The 26-year old was a part of the 2018 State of Origin winning side for NSW, but a year later had moved clubs and fallen out of favour with Blues selectors.
Brisbane shopped him around, and former coach Wayne Bennett obliged and
brought the Rabbitohs junior back to where his career started.
It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows for Roberts after moving back to Redfern, struggling for consistency at the club he made his debut for almost a decade earlier.
But Roberts looks fitter, faster and more focused than ever heading into this season - and told
Sporting News on Tuesday about his new goals after some time to reflect in the off-season.
“It’s good to have a full pre-season, get the head right I suppose and get the confidence back," he said.
"My body is feeling pretty good, and I can’t wait to play some footy.
“It would be nice to get back into Origin, but it’s not really a goal of mine to be honest.
"My main objective now is to win a comp, tick that box and that’s all I’m focused on.
"I just want to play some good footy for Souths, and if anything else comes then so be it. I’m not too fussed about anything else at the moment."
Roberts looked at his exciting best in last weekend's All Stars clash, and appears to have put the injuries that plagued him last year in the rear-view mirror.
The La Perouse Panthers junior was on deck on Tuesday morning for the announcement of long-time friend
Adam Reynolds as the club's new skipper - something Roberts admitted he was very happy about.
“I think he will be good mate, I’m really happy for him," he told
Sporting News.
"We played juniors and that together with La Perouse when we were younger, and played Under 20s together growing up here at Souths.
"It’s good to see him get the captaincy and it’s even better as a Souths junior to see him get the gig. It's pretty special."
The Rabbitohs will travel to Mudgee this weekend for the Charity Shield against the Dragons, before
starting their NRL campaign against Cronulla.
Alex Johnston to stay and fight for his spot at South Sydney following Latrell Mitchell arrival
The arrival of Latrell Mitchell at the South Sydney Rabbitohs is an exciting time for all involved - but it has left their 2019 fullback Alex Johnston on the outer heading into Round 1.
The 25-year old played a large chunk of last year in the No.1 jumper, but now finds himself in a
three-way battle for two wing spots with Dane Gagai and Campbell Graham.
It is believed that Gagai and Graham will be given first crack, meaning Johnston will either be on the bench or in reserve grade to start the season.
But the former premiership winner told
Sporting News on Tuesday that he has no desire to up and leave the Rabbitohs, and is willing to stay and fight for the spot he feels he can excel in.
“I think we will get a glimpse in the Charity Shield what my role is," he said.
"I’m looking forward to getting out there, do my role for the team and anything Wayne wants me to do I’ll do it.
“I’d prefer just to be playing footy – it doesn’t have to be at fullback.
"I love playing on the wing as well, and if I do play there I will be one of the best wingers in the comp.
"I just want to be out there playing footy, whether it is at fullback or wing I don’t care."
It is the sort of mentality that you want from a player battling for their position, even though AJ could easily walk in to most other NRL sides.
Johnston has played 123 games for South Sydney, as well as representing Australia in 2015 - but his first grade career now appears at a crossroads.
But one of his rivals for a wing spot in
Campbell Graham told
Sporting News that nothing has been confirmed yet by Wayne Bennett despite the competition starting in a fortnight.
“Nothing is assured yet," he said.
"We’ve got the Charity Shield this weekend, and I think that will be a good spot to put your best foot forward.
"Hopefully Wayne likes what he sees from me and picks me in the strongest side for Round 1.
"All I can do is ensure I do everything in my power to perform well and get a spot there."
The Rabbitohs will travel to Mudgee this Saturday for the Charity Shield fixture against the Dragons, before
starting their NRL season against Cronulla.
