The Brisbane Broncos have been slammed for hailing centre James Roberts as ‘selfless’ after he risked missing the birth of his first child to play a match – despite his partner ‘begging’ him to stay.
Roberts, 23, told reporters how he decided to put the team first and play against the Sydney Rabbitohs last Friday after his partner Anna Jovanovic went into labour hours before the kick-off.
The rugby league player also joked that his coach Wayne Bennett started ‘avoiding calls’ from his pregnant partner ahead of the clash.
When he was asked whether he thought there was a chance he could miss the match, Roberts said: ‘I thought it was close — the water broke the day before, but it dragged on a bit.
‘She was begging me to stay and not go but I just wanted to come up and do a job for the boys.
‘I am sure Wayne did (want me to play) but he didn’t say much, I think he was just avoiding calls from Anna.’
In a press release to announce the new arrival, the Brisbane Broncos praised Roberts’ decision to leave his wife.
Roberts was able to witness the birth and even said he ‘pretty much delivered the baby’ himself when his son arrived at 4am on Sunday morning.
He had rushed out of the Suncorp stadium moments after full time on Friday to get to the Gold Coast hospital.
‘We ended having it on Sunday morning at four o’clock,’ he said.
‘I am glad it is all over and it’s pretty enjoyable going home to my little boy.’
The couple named their son, Kirk, after the centre’s brother – who suffers from the degenerative condition muscular dystrophy.
Despite the fact that Roberts made it to the birth on time, many have slammed the club’s comments on social media.
One Twitter user said: ‘@brisbanebroncos disappointed to hear you supported James Roberts play and leave his WIFE at home begging for support.’
Marilyn said: ‘Poor show by him when his wife was begging him not to go. It shows where his heart is.’
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