"I could have saved that boy's life': Ian Roberts dark truth triggers outrage after Arron James Light murder timeline resurfaces
Ian Roberts, legendary rugby league player for South Sydney and Manly, opened his heart on the I Catch Killers podcast on June 23, 2025, discussing the death of his teenage friend Arron James Light and the pain he still carries almost 30 years later.
Ian Roberts opens up about the tragic death of Arron James Light
Arron James Light was just 17 when he vanished from Sydney in 1997, days before he was to give crucial testimony in a child abuse case. His body was discovered in 2002 in a shallow grave beside the Alexandria Canal, with multiple stab wounds.
Roberts first met Arron around 1990 at Camperdown Children's Hospital, where Arron was recovering from a knee injury. Despite the tough surroundings, Arron's cheeky humour stood out.
Roberts visited him often, and over the years, they formed a unique connection.
When Arron later found himself rough sleeping in Bondi, Roberts and his partner, Shane, offered him a place to stay. He insisted that Arron study and reconnect with family. But weeks later Arron disappeared again after being linked to a paedophile investigation involving former masseur Frederick George Rix. Roberts regretted mentioning the inquiry to Arron, believing it may have driven him off.
Ian Roberts regrets decision that may have cost Arron James Light his life
Roberts told the podcast he still suffers guilt over that decision:
'I feel that I could have saved that boy's life … I feel that I could have saved that boy's life'
. He shared that Arron trusted and loved him, and that betrayal of that trust haunts him every day.
Arron's disappearance in 1997 occurred while Roberts was away in Townsville for the Super League Tri-Series. The last time they spoke, Arron was upset and in distress.
Roberts relayed that call: 'He was screaming. … I just felt like he was alone.' Days later Arron vanished, only to be found in 2002.
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The inquest heard Roberts testify that Rix was involved in Arron's death. Roberts also revealed he had been abused by Rix at 15, which made revisiting the memory during the inquiry deeply painful.
This emotional story reinforces Roberts's role not only as a sports icon but as a protector of the vulnerable. His openness today serves as a plea for empathy and support for youth in crisis.
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