The Wales centre has not played since undergoing a ACL reconstruction in April. But following a pain-staking recovery he has been named on the Blues’ bench for the first derby match of the season.
Roberts spent endless hours on the terraces at Rodney Parade and he admits it will be a emotional return to action.
“It’s quite poignant. It’s a place that holds many fond memories for me,” said Roberts.
“As a kid growing up, my dad was a big Newport fan. He dragged me and my brother David down there when we were kids until I was about 15.
“I used to run on the pitch for Ceri Sweeney’s autograph, which is quite funny now playing alongside him.
“It’s a great place to watch and a special place to play. It’s just a really good rugby ground. There’s a fantastic playing track and the fans are close to the pitch and give a lot of support.
“It’s a great crowd, a really great following and the Dragons play an exciting brand of rugby.
“It will great to go down there and hopefully put one over them. They beat us down there last year, so we owe them one.”
Roberts admits it was hugely frustrating to miss the end of last season and Wales’ summer tour to Australia.
But he hopes to reap the rewards from the break and come back stronger than ever.
“It’s been quite tough. I was massively gutted to miss the Heineken Cup quarter-final and Wales’ summer tour of Australia. It was hugely frustrating.
“But when you have a long-term injury, you have to try and look at it positively. You can’t afford to dwell on it too much and be negative about it.
“Rugby is a sport where things like that are going to happen. You have to put a positive spin on things and look on it in a good light.
“I’ve got the body back right and I’ve taken a mental break more than anything and come back refreshed.
“There’s a hugely-challenging season ahead and it’s great to be back involved. It’s been a long time away from the pitch. I can’t wait to get back playing.”
And Roberts is set to be tested to the maximum by the Dragons’ in-form powerhouse Andy Tuilagi.
The Grand Slam winner is more often than not bigger than his opponent, but Samoan centre Tuilagi weighs in a full stone heavier than Roberts and is renowned for his fearsome ball-carrying.
“I’ve been getting my tackling practise in,” quipped Roberts. “All of the Tuilagi boys are a brute force in the game but you just have to do your job, make your tackles and carry hard.”
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