His off-field issues have been well documented but James Roberts is a gifted player and the Wests Tigers will look to utilise his talents.
Roberts, who was most recently a South Sydney Rabbitohs player, was released by the club as he looked to get his life back on track.
Previously, Roberts had stints with the Penrith Panthers, the Gold Coast Titans, and the Brisbane Broncos.
Roberts will have a two year deal at the Tigers, with both years having options in the club’s favour.
Roberts is not only pleased to be at the Tigers but also to reunite with Michael Maguire, who was his coach at Souths previously.
“I’m very excited to be a part of a quality club which is obviously on the rise,” Roberts said.
“The opportunity to reunite with Michael Maguire is too good to pass up and I’m looking forward to working closely with him again.”
As a proud Aboriginal player, Roberts had glowing praise for the work the Tigers are doing in that field.
“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,” Roberts continued.
“I’d like to thank South Sydney for the support they’ve given me and my family over the past two years and I can’t wait to start my new chapter with Wests Tigers.”
Maguire is pleased to see Roberts continue his NRL career and looks forward to working alongside him again.
“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.
“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.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him back on the rugby league field in 2021 and displaying the talent and commitment that I know will add a lot to our team moving forward.”
