Roberts fronted the NRL club's bosses and coach Anthony Seibold on Sunday after the photo circulated on social media over the last three days.

The club said they were sticking by Roberts and were committed to helping him through his well-documented battle with alcohol.

While the photo is an ugly look for the game, particularly after the NRL's horror off-season, the Broncos said they wanted to help the 26-year-old.

The photo shows Roberts being carried down the stairs by four men at a private party in a Brisbane home and he admitted drinking to excess.

It was taken the day after the club's round three loss to St George Illawarra in which he aggravated an Achilles injury, ruling him out of Thursday's heavy defeat to the Sydney Roosters.

"I've spoken to Jimmy about avoiding situations where he isn't in control," Seibold said.

"He understands and as a club we will continue to work through things with him."

The club declined to sanction him despite the fact he was drinking while on the club's injured list.

Roberts has battled alcohol issues and was previously sacked by South Sydney and Penrith after repeated incidents involving alcohol and for violating team protocol.

He has twice spent time in a Thai rehab centre but risen above his problems to be regarded as one of game's premier outside backs, earning Origin selection in last year's series win by NSW.

When announcing his signing in 2017, former Broncos coach Wayne Bennett said Roberts had previously battled drug use.

He has opened up about his troubled youth, which included periods of homelessness, as well as his battle with mental health issues.

"James' journey to this point has been well-documented and he has made huge strides in recent years," Broncos CEO Paul White said.

"This is a small blip on on that journey but we have all made poor decisions at times, and the club will continue to support James."

Australian Associated Press