Contract extension for Roberts

Penrith Panthers have extended the contract of young winger James Roberts for the next two NRL seasons.

Roberts, 20, has been a mid-season revelation for Penrith, scoring four tries in four games, including a hat-trick in the round 17 thumping of Gold Coast Titans.

He had been earmarked as one of the game’s most promising youngsters when he debuted with South Sydney Rabbitohs in 2011, before a series of off-field indiscretions threatened to derail his career.

Panthers general manager Phil Moss said in a statement: “James has become a very valuable member of the Panthers family since joining the club at the start of the year.

“He is an exciting talent and has been working very hard to fulfil his potential as a consistent NRL player.”