The Brisbane Broncos have released a statement addressing the recent reported incidents involving James Roberts.
In the statement, the Broncos say their top priority is the well being and welfare of Roberts and that a development plan will be instigated upon consultation with both the NRL and the Rugby League Players association.
The club also confirm that Roberts was not arrested, just issued with a fine for public nuisance and that they had informed the NRL about the incident well before the media started reporting on the issue.
Finally, Roberts has been fined $20,000 over the matter.
Read the full statement below:
The player welfare of James Roberts is the top priority in a complete personal development plan for the player that will be instigated after collaboration and consultation with the NRL and Rugby League Players Association.
The solution was proposed and has now been agreed to by the NRL after the true factual evidence of recent reported incidents was ascertained by their integrity unit.
While not arrested, Roberts was issued a fine for public nuisance in Brisbane earlier this month, a fact the Broncos advised the NRL of well before there was any public knowledge of the incident.
Roberts was also fined $20,000 over the matter today.
The framework for a complete personal development and wellbeing plan for the player has been outlined and agreed to, and will require sustained effort from Roberts, his management, the Broncos’ club and coaching staff.
This plan will include personal undertakings, community service on designated player days off, and a consistent review and updating of the program, which can be overviewed by the NRL and NRLPA.
Broncos’ chief executive Paul White said the club was determined to obtain positive outcomes from the incident for both the player and the community.
“We informed the NRL of this matter before it became public and have continued to provide them any and all assistance in their investigation,” said White.
“This will be a total plan for James’ development and wellbeing, and will have high regard for both the issues of the past and what we are hoping for going into the future.
“Going back to provide benefit to the community is an appropriate way to acknowledge a breach of community standards.
“This is not just a punishment, but about forward development for James and a way for him to gain some grounding and provide assistance to the Broncos’ well-documented community activities.”
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