Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold has issued a subtle 'hands off' to rival NRL clubs as noise continues around James Roberts' potential move to South Sydney.
The centre has been linked with a return to the Rabbitohs - where he began his career in 2011 but was sacked a year later - to replace the retired Greg Inglis and reunite with coach Wayne Bennett.
Bennett reiterated on Wednesday that he had not been in contact with the livewire NSW Origin star, who has struggled with an achilles injury at Brisbane this year.
Seibold confirmed Roberts would start against the Rabbitohs on Thursday night and admits he is a little confused by all the talk.
"That's an interesting one - I got told that before, that there's been some stuff in the media about Jimmy - but he's not come to see me," Seibold said.
"He signed a contract for next year and it's not like Kodi (Nikorima's) situation, where there's an option in his favour (to move clubs for the 2020 season).
"So clubs shouldn't be talking to Jimmy, if they are."
Roberts has battled injury this season while he was also photographed being carried out of a private party the night of a 25-24 loss to St George Illawarra.
The speedster apologised and was not punished any further as he continues a rehabilitation program.
Kotoni Staggs has impressed when given the chance to fill the void at centre, but Seibold denied Roberts was on the outer at Red Hill.
"Jimmy's going to start in the centres tomorrow night, he's under contract for the next year-and-a-bit and until someone tells me otherwise that's what I expect him to see out," he said.
Share
