http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sp...s/news-story/e218c5438500de2bb0406481f88d2940
Parramatta sign Ulysses Roberts, the nephew of South Sydney superstar Greg Inglis
Dean Ritchie, Exclusive, The Daily Telegraph
December 12, 2016 6:12pm
HE shares the same name as a US President and is related to rugby league royalty.
Meet Ulysses Roberts, the nephew of South Sydney superstar Greg Inglis, who has just signed a three-year deal with Parramatta.
Unlike his uncle Greg, Roberts is a big utility player who could end-up in the front-row.
He also has a distinctive name which he shares with a hero of Ancient Greek literature and 19th century US President Ulysses S. Grant.
Inglis directed his manager, the respected Allan Gainey, to mentor Roberts.
Gainey has just returned from finalising the Parramatta deal in Roberts’ home town of Macksville — where Inglis was raised.
Roberts, 15, has been named in the Indigenous under 16s side which will play a curtain-raiser to the annual All Stars game in Newcastle this February.
“’GI’ (Inglis) wanted to make sure Ulysses was looked after and in a good system where he can develop well while still at school,” Gainey said.
“He has some great bloodlines but he will have to work hard like all kids at that age. But he has a determination and a great, solid build on him.
“Ulysses is athletic and is in a good system at Parramatta. He will come down to at least two or three camps a year with Parramatta.
“The club will develop and support him. Having a contract will give the kid confidence knowing he is in the system and he will have to work hard to repay them.”
Roberts’ contract is only between $1500 and $2000. More importantly, it gives the youngster a golden chance to crack the NRL.
Parramatta will know more about Roberts’ potential after club camps and trials.
Also a relative of former Dragons, Roosters, Panthers and Wigan flyer Amos Roberts, Ulysses will remain at Macksville High School.
Parramatta hope to bring the youngster to Sydney in another two years.
Roberts will participate in an indigenous under 16s camp, and may join a Parramatta camp in January.
“He has a different body shape to GI — he has a bigger body, bulky frame and plays in the middle,” Parramatta recruitment and retention manager Anthony Field said. “I am right across that group two, group three district. I bought him (Roberts) in for a trial last year and he did very well.
“We send our kids away to a development camp every year in Nyngan. He showed he was a natural leader. He has captained every team he has been involved with. He is an aggressive defender who is hardworking around the middle.
“He is one of those highly instinctive Aboriginal players, highly skilful, silky skills.
“The skills set he has, we can’t give him. But all the other little things on the way through, with development, we will polish him up. If he can learn to train, he has a future.”
