"THE Jet" isn't even a blip on the Newcastle Knights' radar.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
James "The Jet" Roberts, that is, the former NSW Origin centre who has apparently been encouraged by South Sydney to move on, despite having a year remaining on his contract.
According to a report in Thursday's Sydney Morning Herald, the Knights were an option for 27-year-old Roberts, although Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien insisted that came as news to him.
"We haven't discussed it," O'Brien said.
"He's not on our radar."
Roberts is a specialist right-side centre, which was an unsettled position for the Knights last season, shared between Gehamat Shibasaki, Enari Tuala and Tautau Moga.
A career record of 74 tries in 149 games underlines what a dangerous strike weapon Roberts is.
At peak fitness, he is one of the NRL's high-octane speedsters, but he played only six games this year because of personal issues and a ruptured pectoral.
It's understood the Knights are interested in bolstering their outside backs, but their priority would appear a middle forward or two, after the retirement of Tim Glasby and the departure of Herman Ese'ese to Gold Coast.
Meanwhile, Knights enforcer David Klemmer is making the most of his surprise Origin omission by undergoing running repairs.
Last week, the towering Test prop had a knee "cleanout", and then on Wednesday he was back in hospital for surgery on his right thumb.
"I think it's about a three-month recovery," Klemmer said.
"I just have to let the ligaments heal back onto the bone. I'll listen to the phyios and doctors and just nail my rehab.
"It's a good time to get it fixed.
"Hopefully once I get out of the cast I'll be able to do some weights, and I'll be looking to get back into full contact and what-not a bit after Christmas."
Klemmer is one of a host of Knights to have booked in for surgery at the earliest opportunity.
Bradman Best (foot), Mitch Barnett (elbow), Kalyn Ponga (shoulder) and Kurt Mann (finger) have all undergone operations recently, while Jayden Brailey (knee), Connor Watson (Achilles), Andrew McCullough (hamstring) and Blake Green (knee) are on the mend after mid-season surgeries.
