Jamie Lyon says James Roberts can be a star if he applies himself to the game

[Hail Sezer]

PAUL MALONE
THE COURIER-MAIL
AUGUST 18, 2014 10:00PM



EVERGREEN Sea Eagle Jamie Lyon saw enough of Gold Coast centre James Roberts on Sunday to know the Titans have a matchwinner on their hands.

Roberts scored one of Gold Coast’s two tries in a 15-12 loss to Manly and was such a handful that his opposite number Peta Hiku missed eight of the 14 tackles he attempted in the game.

The 21-year-old is at his third NRL club after Penrith, his second, cut him early this year for disciplinary problems, including an incident in which a taxi’s window was smashed.

Since his maiden first-grade game for Gold Coast in Round 14, Roberts has scored five tries in nine games, a haul matched only by Kevin Gordon’s five in eight matches.

“He looks a very good player on the way up and has plenty of pace and strength,’’ said Lyon, who won the Dally M centre of the year award in 2010, 2011 and 2013.

“He has a big future if he keeps his head down and works hard on the right things.

“His speed is a big advantage for him. He will improve as he gets more experience.’’

In his 25 NRL games for South Sydney, Penrith and Gold Coast, he has already posted 16 tries.

Interim Titans coach Neil Henry said he was encouraged by Roberts’ tackling against Manly, which he said amounted to his best defensive effort for the club.

“He hasn’t played a lot as a centre and he’s still developing,’’ Henry said.

“As a junior, he played a lot of wing and fullback. He will improve with a pre-season.’’

In Channel 9 commentary, Phil Gould, who sent Roberts packing in his capacity as Panthers general manager, said: “He’s as explosive and quick as anything that’s ever played the game.’’

Henry said Dave Taylor was a chance of returning to the side for Sunday’s away match against St George Illawarra.

Henry said a calf injury was the primary reason Taylor did not play against Manly, rather than his long-standing injury.

“The neck is something that won’t be resolved until he has three months off,’’ he said.

“Hopefully he will get a game or two in (of the last three matches of the season).’’

Manly coach Geoff Toovey said he hopes to have centre Steve Matai available again for the premiership leaders in the clash with Parramatta on Friday.

Glenn Stewart could be back from injury for the Round 26 match in Townsville, Toovey said.

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[Titan4Life]

It is scary that he is only 21 years old. If he keeps his head down and focuses on footy, he will be a star.

[TitansFan92]

If I were the club I would be getting him on a new deal ASAP

[teke]

Wonder what Lyon thought of Taka lol

[Titanic]

anybody notice that Roberts and Lyons have similar running styles?

[TitansFan92]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZBd-Hikp8g

Just found this. Resign him now haha

[Hail Sezer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mZBd-Hikp8g

Just found this. Resign him now haha