Restricted training for Roberts but Blues certain he'll be fit

NSW rookie James Roberts was restricted to light duties during the Blues’ first training session under Brad Fittler in Coogee on Tuesday.

Roberts, who picked up an Achilles injury in Brisbane’s victory over Parramatta last week, trained on his own for the first half of the session as he recovers from the injury ahead of his first Origin appearance in Melbourne next Wednesday night.

Roberts was also receiving treatment from Blues physiotherapist Liz Steet on a hip flexor issue as the 11 fresh faces took to the paddock for the first time together.

He managed to do light duties on the wing before coming from the paddock prematurely to replace his football boots with sneakers.

The Blues insist he will be fine to play at the MCG but will monitor his condition throughout the early parts of the week.