NRL Star James Roberts Faces Verdict Over Drug and Stolen Cash Possession Charges
Former NRL Star James Roberts Cleared of Drug and Theft Charges
By Adelaide Lang for Australian Associated Press
Published: 03:22 BST, 7 July 2025 | Updated: 03:26 BST, 7 July 2025
[Image 1: James Roberts outside court in 2024]
Caption: James Roberts faced unrelated charges in July 2024, months before Monday’s case dismissal.
Former NRL player James Roberts, known for his lightning speed and 168-game career, has been cleared of drug possession and handling suspected stolen cash after police abruptly withdrew charges at a Sydney court hearing. The 32-year-old, who retired in 2022, pleaded not guilty to possessing 0.3 grams of cannabis and $1,400 in allegedly stolen money following a traffic stop in July 2024. Prosecutors dropped the case on Monday, citing insufficient evidence.
Key Details of the Case
- Roberts was pulled over by police on July 30, 2024, leading to the charges.
- The cannabis was found in his passenger’s bag, not directly tied to Roberts.
- The cash, initially flagged as suspicious, was later confirmed as legitimate earnings.
Roberts’ lawyer, Najee Makhoul, criticized the charges as baseless. “Police assumed the cash was stolen, but there was no proof. James earns money through NRL appearances and legitimate withdrawals,” he stated. Makhoul emphasized that the cannabis charge was equally flawed, as it belonged to Roberts’ companion.
[Image 2: Roberts in action for the Wests Tigers in 2022]
Caption: Roberts’ NRL career spanned 12 seasons, earning him the nickname “Jimmy the Jet.”
A Career Cut Short
Roberts’ football legacy includes stints with the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Brisbane Broncos, Penrith Panthers, Gold Coast Titans, and Wests Tigers. His peak came in 2015 when he won the Dally M Centre of the Year award. He also starred in NSW’s 2018 State of Origin victory and represented the Indigenous All Stars. Persistent injuries led to his 2022 retirement, though he remains a popular figure in rugby league circles.
Relief and Moving Forward
Roberts, absent from Monday’s hearing, expressed relief through his lawyer. “He’s eager to put this behind him,” Makhoul said. The dismissal ends a stressful chapter for the athlete, who faced public scrutiny despite maintaining his innocence.
[Image 3: Roberts during his Broncos tenure]
Caption: Roberts’ speed made him a fan favorite during his Broncos years.
The case underscores challenges ex-athletes face post-retirement, where past fame can magnify legal troubles. For Roberts, the focus now shifts to life beyond the NRL—and rebuilding a reputation briefly clouded by controversy.
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