James Roberts Cleared of Drug and Stolen Cash Charges in Court

In a significant legal development, former National Rugby League (NRL) player James Roberts has been exonerated of charges related to drug possession and suspected stolen cash. The decision was made during a court hearing on July 7, 2025, where police withdrew the charges against the 32-year-old, known for his impressive career in the NRL.

Roberts, who played over 160 games for various clubs including the Wests Tigers and South Sydney Rabbitohs, was initially pulled over on July 30, 2024. At that time, authorities alleged that he possessed 0.3 grams of cannabis and $1,400 in cash suspected to be stolen. However, Roberts maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to the charges.

According to Najee Makhoul, Roberts' attorney, the charges were withdrawn due to a lack of evidence linking the former athlete to the alleged offences. "Police assumed the cash was illegally obtained, but that was just not the case at all," Makhoul stated. He explained that Roberts had received legitimate cash payments for his appearances in the NRL and had recently made a withdrawal from his bank account, which was misinterpreted by law enforcement.

Furthermore, Makhoul clarified that the cannabis found during the traffic stop was located in a passenger's bag and could not be attributed to Roberts. "It was a wrong charge laid for the wrong reasons, and unfortunately, he faced the consequences as a result," he added. Roberts, who did not attend the court session, expressed relief upon hearing the charges had been dismissed, indicating his desire to move forward with his life after the ordeal.

Roberts, commonly referred to as 'Jimmy the Jet' due to his speed on the field, had a noteworthy career in NRL, including participation in the 2018 State of Origin series and representing the Indigenous All Stars. He retired from professional rugby in 2022, and this incident marks a significant moment in his post-career life. With the legal troubles now behind him, Roberts is expected to focus on personal projects and ventures outside of rugby.

The case highlights the complexities surrounding legal proceedings in high-profile sports figures, where assumptions based on appearances can lead to serious allegations. As Roberts steps away from this chapter, the implications of the case may resonate within the NRL and its community, bringing attention to how players are treated by law enforcement and the media.

In conclusion, James Roberts' relief at the court's decision underscores the importance of due process and the impact that legal challenges can have on individuals' lives, particularly those in the public eye. Moving forward, Roberts aims to regain his footing and continue contributing positively to society as he embarks on this new phase of his life.