BRISBANE star James Roberts reportedly spent time in a rehabilitation facility during the off-season.

Having a history of issues with alcohol, Roberts took the initiative of going to rehab in a bid to address the issues that have plagued his NRL career.

It’s not the first time Roberts has been to rehab with the 25-year-old checking into a Thailand a rehab facility late in 2016.

Previously sacked by two NRL clubs, South Sydney and Penrith, Roberts cannot afford another mishap.

Round 20

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Nine News reporter Neil Breen told 100% Footy, Roberts took it upon himself to address his issues with substance abuse.

“In the off-season at his own expense, he took himself back to Thailand for another stint of rehab, he paid for it all himself just to make sure he was on the straight and narrow,” Breen said.

James Roberts of the Broncos scores a try. Source: Getty Images

Penrith general manager Phil Gould knows of Roberts’ struggles all too well.

The nephew of former NRL player Amos Roberts, the Kempsey product was sacked by the Rabbitohs in 2012 for breaches of his contracts and the club’s code of behaviour.

He would sign with the Panthers a few months later before being released in 2014 for reportedly smashing a taxi window.

“We had James at the Panthers for about 18 months,” Gould revealed.

“If I ever wrote a book I would devote a chapter to him. That boy left a real indelible mark on me to learn about his life and what he went through to get to where he was.

Former panthers coach Ivan Cleary and James Roberts. Source: News Limited

“And we had problems with him for 18 months, and I was working with the NRL Integrity Unit with him constantly because it’s very hard for these kids to break free from their past sometimes and they keep slipping back into bad habits.

“We had a number of issues with him and it sort of got to the end when the coach said we can’t have it anymore he’s got to go.”

Gould revealed Roberts was close to being lost from the game.

James Roberts (left) and coach Wayne Bennett during Broncos training. Source: AAP

The NRL had become frustrated with the young star and were ready to pull the plug before Gould intervened.

While Roberts left the Panthers in 2013, he joined the Titans soon after before settling in Brisbane where he is locked down until the end of the 2021 season.

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“The NRL Integrity Unit had had enough and I wrote a letter to the NRL Integrity Unit don’t give up on this kid who’s ready to go,” Gould said.

“He’s probably outworn our staff but he’s ready to go on.

“But I was glad he went to the Broncos because I knew they had the support services to do it.”