NRL star James Roberts forcibly removed from Brisbane nightclub
Star Broncos centre James Roberts had to be forcibly removed from Brisbane nightclub The Normanby on Sunday night after refusing to move on when ordered to.
7 News can reveal exclusive details of the incident, in which Roberts is alleged to have lost consciousness at one point as he struggled with security staff.
It's understood Roberts also abused a female staff member after being refused service.
The Normanby are refusing to comment. The Broncos say the matter is for the NRL and that they have not received a formal complaint from the venue or from the public.
"No complaint has been made to the club by either the police or a member of the public," Broncos chief executive Paul White said.
"But, as per protocol, the club passed the matter on to the integrity unit and will now work with them to ascertain the facts."
It is understood Roberts found strife at another venue in Brisbane's CBD after being evicted from the first club.
The NRL are investigating but it is unclear why Roberts was asked to leave.
A Queensland Ambulance spokesperson said an ambulance was called to the venue but Roberts declined and jumped in a taxi.
The incident could see Roberts stood down from Thursday night’s crucial clash with the Bulldogs. But the Broncos reportedly want Roberts to take the field, despite the investigation.
The star centre has had an inconsistent season for Brisbane after shifting from the Titans in summer.
Roberts has a history of off-field indiscretions, having been sacked by Penrith and South Sydney over behaviour-related issues.
The Rabbitohs released Roberts in 2011 after breaches of his playing contract including smashing a taxi window, and he was cut by the Panthers in March 2014 for off-field misbehaviour.
He was thrown a lifeline by Gold Coast later in 2014 and appeared to have turned his career around, becoming one of the Titans' best players before a contract bungle saw him join Brisbane for the 2016 campaign.
If the NRL find he has a case to answer over this incident, he could be stood down for several weeks.
News break – August 17