‘I just wanted a normal life’: Why Roberts almost quit the NRL
By Adam Pengilly
March 1, 2021 — 4.00pm
A “hungry” James Roberts has admitted he thought about walking away from the NRL and leading a “normal life” free of the media spotlight before rekindling his love for the game at the Wests Tigers.
Roberts, 27, said his headspace was the best it had been for years as he fights to resurrect a career hanging in the balance after last season at the Rabbitohs.
The former NSW representative spoke extensively for the first time about how close he came to quitting the NRL. He was released on compassionate grounds by South Sydney after a year in which he struggled with his mental health during COVID-19.
The Rabbitohs even pledged to provide financial help for his welfare after his exit from Redfern.
Many feared it would be the last club Roberts would play for in the NRL after a season-ending pectoral injury in 2020, but the speedster was handed a lifeline by the Tigers and old coach Michael Maguire, who Roberts crossed paths with at South Sydney.
“At one stage I was thinking of throwing it all in and just getting away from rugby league, the media and all [the] negative stuff and pressures and just focus on my family ... and I guess live a normal life,” Roberts said.
“Luckily I had some time away and I found that hunger again. I found a good balance with my family and I’m just enjoying everything.
“I can’t remember the last time [I was in such a good mindset], maybe in 2018 at the Broncos. I’ve got a clear head and I’m just enjoying my footy and enjoying my life outside of footy and there’s a lot to look forward to at the club.”
Roberts was at his electric best on his first appearance in Tigers colours as they
walloped an under-strength Manly during a trial at Leichhardt Oval on Sunday.
He almost scored with his first touch, grabbed a Luke Brooks kick to touch down and also laid down next to fullback Daine Laurie on the sideline after both were given an early shower by Maguire.
Roberts’ cut-price deal with the Tigers could be one of the great heists of the season should he recapture the form that earned him a spot in Brad Fittler’s State of Origin squad a few years ago.
“I realised I really do love the game and it’s my dream to do what I do,” Roberts said. “I thought I would just give it another crack and just enjoy it more instead of making it my job.
just enjoy coming training and laughing with the boys.
“I’ve sort of changed my whole mindset. [I’m] starting over and just being grateful for my job and the opportunity that I have, not worrying about the pressures and that outside noise. I’m just doing what I know I’m capable of [and] enjoying my day-to-day life as well outside of footy. I feel very comfy [at the club].”
Roberts will form a potent right-edge tandem with David Nofoaluma, but it’s the guidance of Maguire that helped salvage his career.
Maguire was in charge of the Rabbitohs when Roberts was sacked for off-field misdemeanours in 2012, but the coach saw enough in his former player to bring him to Concord.
“Over the years we’ve had our differences,” Roberts said. “I was a lot younger and a lot wilder. I had a few things going on. My priorities weren’t in order.
“Now I’m in a good mind frame and it’s good to work with him and try and excel my game on and off the field and help the young lads. He’s been really supportive of me and helped me a lot. And so is the club as well, so I’m really thankful for that.”
https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/i-...erts-almost-quit-the-nrl-20210301-p576sp.html
