'He's battled demons his whole life': How a drunken photo of rugby league star James Roberts being carried out of a nightclub will 'HELP' him
- Rugby league identity Phil Gould said photo of James Roberts could be reminder
- Photo leaked to social media of a drunk Roberts being carried out of a nightclub
- The 26-year-old has apologised for his behaviour and club won't sanction him
- Gould said Roberts has 'battled demons his whole life' and has made progress
A photo that could have cost James Roberts his career may actually help the embattled NRL star, according to rugby league identity Phil Gould.
The Broncos star avoided sanctioning on Monday after a leaked photo captured an intoxicated Roberts being carried out of a nightclub.
Roberts told the club he had too much to drink at a private party at a home in Brisbane after the Broncos lost to the Dragons on March 28, according to a statement from the Broncos on Sunday.
While Roberts has apologised for his behaviour, Gould said it would remind the 26-year-old of his continuing battle with alcohol.
'That boy has battled demons his whole life and every summer he now goes and puts himself into a therapy unit, he's worked hard at it,' he told 9Sport.
A photo that could have cost James Roberts his career may actually help the embattled NRL star, according to rugby league identity Phil Gould (pictured, with partner Anna)
The Broncos star avoided sanctioning on Monday after a leaked photo captured an intoxicated Roberts being carried out of a nightclub in Brisbane in March
While Roberts has apologised for his behaviour, Phil Gould said it would remind the 26-year-old of his continuing battle with alcohol
The Origin player, who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury, has a long history of alcohol issues, and was previously sacked by the Rabbitohs and the Panthers for breaches of contract.
Gould kept watch of the troubled star after he joined the Panthers in 2013.
He said the young player made large strides in overcoming his demons in the months that followed.
'He doesn't do recreational drugs anymore, he doesn't do prescription drugs anymore, which were all a part of his childhood growing up from a very young age,' Gould said.
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Despite his determination to change his ways - including a stint at a Thailand rehab clinic - Gould admits that 'every now and then' the star 'makes mistakes'.
NRL great Paul Vautin said he felt the NRL star was not living up to his full potential on the field.
'That lad, he has so much talent, he's incredible but when I watch him sometimes he doesn't even look interested in the game,' he said.
That being said, the Broncos have firmly stood by its player and said the club will continue to help Roberts through this tough time.
While Roberts has apologised for his behaviour, Gould said it would remind the 26-year-old of his continuing battle with alcohol
The Origin player, who has been sidelined with an Achilles injury, has a long history of alcohol issues, and was previously sacked by the Rabbitohs and the Panthers for breaches of contract
'I've spoken to Jimmy about avoiding situations where he isn't in control,' coach Anthony Seibold said on Sunday.
The photo of Roberts is the latest of a series of scandals that have rocked the NRL.
Penrith Panthers player Tyrone Phillips was recently charged with mid-range drink driving.
NRL star Luke O'Donnell has pleaded guilty to stashing cocaine in his underpants during a police bust last year.
The photo of Roberts is the latest of a series of scandals that have rocked the NRL
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