Ben Roberts proudly declares he hasn't touched a drop of alcohol since New Year's Eve.
Just as well, because the Bulldogs five-eighth and five-Test Kiwi knows he was a few bottles away from having his contract torn up late last year.
Now, with a new two-year deal and a career-best
performance against the Broncos under his belt, life's good for the 24-year-old as he chases a National Rugby League (NRL) premiership.
So good that he's taken troubled compatriot Arana Taumata under his wing, mentoring the youngster sacked by four NRL clubs as he battles the booze and tries to resurrect his career.
Roberts' name was regularly in the headlines, but not for reasons he'd like, since his NRL and Kiwis Test debut in 2006.
Try this list: disqualified from driving for three months after failing a breath alcohol test (a conviction was later quashed); charged with assaulting police after a Wollongong street brawl; fined A$5000 ($6200) by the Bulldogs after a fight in Cronulla; reportedly trying to punch Tigers hooker Robbie Farah in a Kings Cross nightclub. It was a train smash waiting to happen.
"I was very close to losing my contract and that was the wakeup call I needed," he said as the Bulldogs prepare to face the Warriors in Auckland on Sunday.
"I had a talk with Kevvie [coach Kevin Moore] last year and during pre-season and thankfully he gave me another shot. I felt like it was my last shot. I'm here making the most of it now."
Stage one was kicking the booze, the root of all his off-field problems. His family and friends were telling him he was a different, ugly person when he drank.
So, after the heart-to-heart with Moore, he made a resolution.
"It was New Year's Eve, my last drink. I'm pretty happy with myself and I feel great. I don't miss it (alcohol) at all. I can see results as well so it's made it easy to stay off it for now. I'm enjoying myself anyway and I don't really need it."
The best illustration of the new, improved Roberts was on June 13, a memorable night at Suncorp Stadium when he set up four tries and tore around Broncos legend Darren Lockyer for a try of his own.
A 44-22 win, the Bulldogs were flying high and Roberts' new contract was being inked.
Amid his personal triumphs, he spared a thought for gifted footballer Taumata, his Bulldogs teammate last year who was also shown the door from the Storm, Broncos and Roosters for alcohol-related incidents.
The Wellington-born 20-year-old is reportedly being courted by the Tigers and Roberts was happy to show him on to the wagon.
"I've had a few words with him, just told him how I went about it and it looks as though he's taken that on board and done it himself. Good on him, I'm happy for him.
"I'm just happy to be able to help, not only a mate, but another dude that plays football as well. He's only just started and he's got a big career ahead of him."
The Bulldogs' upswing in fortunes from 2008 wooden spooners has coincided with Roberts'.
Bolstered by new recruits Brett Kimmorley, Michael Ennis, Ben Hannant and Josh Morris, they've stormed to third on the NRL ladder and stamped their title credentials.
Moore and chief executive Todd Greenberg worked hard to make it a family club rather than last year's culture of "party hard, train hard, play hard".
Now they believe they can win the grand final on October 4.
- NZPA
Ben Roberts says seeing results on the field has helped him stay clear of alcohol. Photo / Getty Images
Ben Roberts proudly declares he hasn't touched a drop of alcohol since New Year's Eve.
Just as well, because the Bulldogs five-eighth and five-Test Kiwi knows he was a few bottles away from having his contract torn up late last year.
Now, with a new two-year deal and a career-best
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