Brisbane captain Darius Boyd believes James Roberts should repay the faith shown in him by Brisbane as the centre's potential NRL move to South Sydney gathers steam.
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Roberts is set to be dropped from the Broncos' side to play Manly on Friday at Suncorp Stadium, during the NRL's Magic Round, as Anthony Seibold looks for answers to the powerhouse club's ordinary 2-6 record.
Wayne Bennett helped turn Roberts into a NSW Origin player last year while coaching him at Brisbane but Boyd hopes the flyer resists the temptation to follow the Rabbitohs mentor south.
"He's in the best mental shape that he has ever been and that's a lot to thank from Wayne and (CEO Paul White) Whitey," Boyd said at Fox League's NRL Magic Round launch.
"He has a lot of ties with Wayne there obviously, but I think Brisbane's good for him and I think the club's been really good for him.
"I'd like to see him repay that favour.
"But at the end of day it's a business. He's got to look after his family and what he thinks is best and if he thinks that's down there then we wish him all the best."
Bennett has denied making any recent contact with Roberts as the club considers how they will fill the void left by Greg Inglis's mid-season retirement.
Roberts, a cousin of Inglis, began his career at the Rabbitohs but was booted from there and Penrith before being granted a release from the Gold Coast to join the Broncos in 2016.
He reached top gear at Red Hill last season and helped NSW to an Origin series win but has struggled with achilles and back complaints this season and will be replaced by Kotoni Staggs this weekend.
South Sydney boast Queensland star Dane Gagai and 22-year-old talent Braidon Burns, while Kyle Turner has also impressed after being thrown into the centres for the 7-1 side.
Former Broncos and Queensland captain Gorden Tallis hopes Roberts responds to his demotion and is given a chance to shine on his first grade return.
"He's been injured too and there's one thing that he's got that no-one can coach and that's speed," he said.
"I don't believe they use him the right way - only have to watch the Roosters and the early ball they give to Latrell (Mitchell)."
Australian Associated Press
