Former New South Wales State of Origin representative James Roberts will play for his fifth NRL club after signing a two-year deal with Wests Tigers.

Roberts links up with the Tigers after being given an early release from his South Sydney contract on compassionate grounds earlier this month.

The 27-year-old centre, who possesses blistering speed, had two stints at the Rabbitohs, while he has also played with Brisbane, Gold Coast and Penrith during his turbulent NRL career.

Tigers coach Michael Maguire said the club signed Roberts as it believed he could recapture the form that saw him take part in the Blues’ 2018 State of Origin series triumph.

“James is clearly an exceptional footballer who will add a lot to our side and I’m very pleased to see him continue his rugby league career with Wests Tigers,” Maguire said in a statement.

“I’ve worked closely with James before and know that he has a good team around him to help get back to the player that we know he can be.”

Roberts said the work the Tigers conduct with Indigenous communities was among the reasons he signed with the club.

“I’m also really impressed with the work Wests Tigers are doing in creating pathways for Aboriginal people and it’s something I’m really passionate about,” he said.

Roberts made his first grade debut for the Rabbitohs in 2011 as an 18-year-old.

He has scored 74 tries across 149 first grade matches and has represented the Indigenous All Stars alongside his three State of Origin appearances.

Roberts was named Dally M Centre of the Year in 2015 during his final season at the Titans.



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