BRISBANE coach Wayne Bennett has revealed the extent of James Roberts’ problems included drug use, after the in-form Broncos star yesterday inked a $2 million contract extension.

The NRL integrity unit said it would rubber-stamp Roberts’ new four-year deal despite Bennett’s bombshell revelation that the Broncos ace had dabbled in drugs.

Roberts has spoken of his battle with alcohol and he checked into a Thailand rehab facility last October to address the off-field problems that led to his sacking at two other NRL clubs.

But he had never been publicly linked to drug use until Thursday, when Bennett detailed the depth of the centre’s private ordeal at the press conference announcing his new contract.

“It’s not easy to do what James has done. He has given up alcohol and given up drugs,” Bennett said.

media_camera James Roberts at Broncos training. Picture: AAP

Sitting beside Bennett, Roberts was expressionless, seemingly unmoved by the coach’s shock drug revelation.

“James has had a remarkable change,” Bennett continued.

“He has been in that situation for six or seven months and it’s been game-changing for him and that’s why he has got a four-year contract.

“Off the field with his behaviour ... he has made some real commitments there.

“His behaviour and attitude to his fellow teammates has changed. It is not all about James anymore. It is about the team, and he interacts really well with them and is valued by them.

“When we bought James, we realised he had some problems, we weren’t that naive, but he continues to improve and what he has done has been quite remarkable.

media_camera Brisbane Broncos player James Roberts at Thursday’s press conference. Picture: AAP

“When he came here, you couldn’t say he was part of the team, but he is now, he is a real important part of the team and an equal with everyone else. They respect him and he makes a real contribution now.”

Roberts has not recorded a positive drugs test since arriving at the Broncos last year.

Just 12 months ago, Roberts was fighting to save his NRL career after being involved in two alcohol-fuelled incidents that had him fined $20,000 by the Broncos and warned he was on his last chance by the NRL.

But Roberts has turned his career around, scoring 13 tries in 17 games so far this season in an outstanding 2017 campaign.

Contacted by T he Courier-Mail, Bennett clarified his comment, insisting he was not referring to Roberts using illicit drugs such as cocaine.

LISTEN! The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio, Paul Suttor and Christian Nicolussi look at all the big issues facing the NRL in round 21.

“I was just being honest about James’ situation,” Bennett said.

“It was an issue in relation to prescription drugs, nothing else, and the Broncos have ensured there is a duty of care for James’ well-being.

“It was important we stood by him. The game cannot afford to lose a talent like James Roberts.”

Roberts said yesterday the fight to resurrect his NRL career was multi-faceted and went beyond his struggles with alcohol.

“There was plenty of underlying issues,” he said. “But I have come a long way from where I was.

“I had to be better. I have finally come around and realised what is important in life.”

An NRL spokesman said the governing body was satisfied with Roberts’ rehabilitation.

“The Broncos have been working closely with the NRL in relation to James Roberts,” he said. “We are pleased with the progress he has made.”