Roberts to join rare company in enemy territory

NSW flyer James Roberts will join a rare group at the Brisbane Broncos when he runs out for NSW in enemy territory at Suncorp Stadium on Wednesday night.

Roberts has become the seventh Broncos player in Holden State of Origin history to play for the Blues after Glenn Lazarus, Chris Johns, Michael De Vere, Terry Matterson, Luke Priddis and the recently retired Peter Wallace.

Lazarus, Johns and De Vere all featured in series victories for the Blues with Roberts now added to the list after NSW's 18-14 win in game two.

Roberts was born in Kempsey, NSW, but has spent four seasons in Queensland after linking with the Titans in 2014 before moving to Brisbane two years ago.

"It's a nice group to be a part of," Roberts told NRL.com.

"I see Mick around the club a fair bit, he coaches goal-kicking with Jamayne (Isaako) and Jordy Kahu.

"He was stoked that we got the series win. It's funny because we are a small group within a big group of Queenslanders. There's not many New South Welshman up there.

"Jack Bird played last year and who knows, there could be a couple more over the next few years with guys like Tevita (Pangai jnr) and Matt Lodge in the forwards.

"It's definitely changing a little bit."

Roberts expects a hostile reception from the Brisbane crowd in Origin III despite usually enjoying their support in the Broncos jersey.

After keeping Greg Inglis try-less over in the opening two games of the series, the former Titans centre was expecting a change with either Will Chambers or Dane Gagai shifting to the left side after Inglis was ruled out of game three with a broken thumb.

"Depends who they play there, it's going to be intense but cool. I'm excited to be going up there and experience the cauldron at State of Origin level," Roberts said.

"Queensland feels like home more than anything. Playing there most weeks at the Broncos will help but I can't wait to experience that and be on the other side.

"The crowd is so close to the field, I've heard it's the best atmosphere of any game. I was talking to Corey Parker the other week and he said it doesn't get any better."

One of four players in the NSW line-up with Indigenous heritage, Roberts went toe-to-toe in a sparring session with former Blues player and world champion boxer Anthony Mundine on Wednesday as part of Brad Fittler's preparations.

"He's still got it, it was good fun," Roberts said of Mundine.

"We get a lot out of those sessions around mental toughness under fatigue and it's good to get some of the legends in there.

"Choc (Mundine) does his own thing, he is who he is and speaks his mind. That's what makes him unique. He's never smoked, never been a drinker. He's a great role model for any Indigenous person and has told us all to back ourselves."

Origin at Suncorp, there's nothing like it! Game III tickets available here