The Panthers have been dealt a cruel off-season blow with talented 20-year-old James Roberts breaking his ankle at training on Friday morning.

Having suffered a broken ankle at the start of last season, Roberts now faces another long stint on the sidelines following a routine scrimmage.

Cruel blow: James Roberts. Credit:Wolter Peeters

He will undergo surgery and have pins inserted on Monday morning.

Roberts had turned his life and career around in the space of one season in 2013.

He helped the Panthers to a 42-30 win over the New Zealand Warriors in last year's under-20s grand final and was subsequently named the Jack Gibson Medallist as the best player on the field.

He was expected to receive plenty of game time for a rejuvenated Panthers side that has been further bolstered with the signing of Titans centre Jamal Idris.