Tagged as erratic throughout his NRL career, Melbourne Storm halfback Ben Roberts feels he's finally found the key to consistent success.
Roberts' talent has never been questioned but during his time at the Canterbury and Parramatta his highlights reel included as many bloopers as magic moments.
The 28-year-old was key to the under-strength Storm's gutsy four-point win over Gold Coast on Monday night, snaring a brilliant individual try in the first half.
He stepped and dummied his way through a swathe of Titans tacklers to score untouched.
Roberts said the Storm team's dedication to training had increased his confidence to do what came naturally on the field.
"I think when you first start off you're not as experienced and you tend to panic a bit," Roberts said.
"The way we train down here, something that I've taken on board is how to relax and trust yourself because you've done all the hard work."
Roberts, who is the cousin of Socceroo Tim Cahill, said he had learnt a lot from Storm and Test skipper Cameron Smith, who is a master under pressure.
"I've learnt from Cam that you can be calm in desperate situations and if you stick to what you've been practising it tends to pay off."
He said he also watched injured regular halfback Cooper Cronk closely both on and off the field, describing him as the "ultimate professional".
"I like to pick his brain a bit to get some ideas and to learn how to approach certain parts of the game - I'm very fortunate to have him there."
Rather than try to emulate the Test No.7, Roberts, who has represented both New Zealand and Samoa, said all coach Craig Bellamy asked of him was consistency.
"I'd think he'd rather my worst game be not be far from my best game.
"For me it's turning up every week and making sure I do everything at training and then I believe i will do well in the game."
Share
