Roberts has matured, says new Bronco Mead

Jan 16, 2017 - 2:00 AM Brisbane centre James Roberts has matured and is ready to return to his best in the NRL this season, according to recruit David Mead.

Roberts' career was hanging by a thread after he checked into a rehabilitation facility in Thailand last year, ending a debut season with the Broncos that was continually disrupted by injuries, suspensions and off-field incidents.

But the 23-year-old is back on the right track after his first full pre-season with Brisbane and poised to reunite with Mead, his former teammate at Gold Coast, on their right edge.

"I've noticed an improvement in him as a person," said Mead, who played outside of Roberts for two seasons at the Titans.

"He tells me he's feeling pretty happy and he's excited to play this year, so I'm excited for him.

"Obviously he's got a lot good people around him here at the Broncos and he's very well looked after."

Mead has been training on the wing with the Broncos since starting pre-season in November and is relishing the chance to play alongside Roberts again.

"He likes to get early ball and just do what he can," he said.

"With Jimmy, you can have three defenders and two attackers and he'll create something out of nothing. That's the type of player he is. I've scored a couple of tries off him (like that).

"If he just gets back to playing instinctively, that's where his best football comes in."

Mead, 28, has moved NRL clubs for the first time after starting his career with the Titans in 2008.

Gold Coast did not table him an offer to stay but Mead said he has moved on and settled in his new environment.

"It took me about three or four weeks to feel at home," he said.

"Obviously I was still nervous those first couple of weeks, but we've got a crew who turned up here all new as well, at the same time.

"We've just been hanging out and mixing with the boys. I've spoken a lot to Wayne (Bennett) since being here."

Source: AAP