Some contact may not have been appreciated but Brisbane are still convinced centre James Roberts has the Midas touch.
Roberts has had a quiet start in his two-game NRL career with the Broncos.
So much so that putting a hand on the referee during his side’s win over the Warriors was one of the more noteworthy things he’s done.
But Broncos fullback Darius Boyd has defended Roberts’ modest beginnings at the Broncos – the ex-Titans flyer ran just 75m in the 25-10 Warriors’ win – insisting he is the gamebreaker Brisbane need.
Boyd credited his 55th minute try to Roberts, after defenders were drawn to the strike centre allowing the fullback space to score.
“If he wasn’t there I don’t think they would have opened up and let me go through,” Boyd said.
“We are still seeing the benefits but hopefully we can get him some more ball.
“He’s got so much speed, even at training all the boys worry about his pace.”
Boyd said Roberts may not have produced the big plays but had received a resounding pass mark from teammates.
“There has been no criticism from our group,” he said.
“He’s doing his carries, his hard yards and defending well – he is doing his job.
“We are not worried.”
The only concern was Roberts making contact with referee Matt Noyen in Brisbane’s win.
While he’ll miss suspension with the early guilty plea Parker said it was not a good look although the case was very different to that of David Klemmer.
Canterbury forward Klemmer will fight his contrary conduct charge for touching a referee at the NRL judiciary on Wednesday night.
“It’s not a good example if you (Klemmer) are three inches away from the referee and touching him,” Parker told Sky Sports Radio.
“The context between the two players is very different but you can’t touch referees.
“You don’t want to portray to kids that it’s acceptable.”
Meanwhile, Greg Eden and Lachlan Maranta look set to battle for the wing vacancy created by Corey Oates ahead of Saturday’s NRL clash in Penrith.
Queensland Origin hopeful Oates has avoided shoulder surgery but will be sidelined for four to six weeks.
Maranta returned from a wrist injury and had restricted training while Eden ran with the main Broncos group on Monday.
“He’s going to be a big loss for us,” Parker said of Oates.
