Wests Tigers are pleased to announce the signing of James Roberts, effective immediately.
The 27-year-old has joined the club on a two-year deal that will see him feature in Wests Tigers colours for the 2021 and 2022 NRL seasons, dependent on options in the club’s favour.
Roberts said he was excited for the opportunity to join Wests Tigers and thanked the tremendous support he had received.
“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.
“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.
“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.”
Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe welcomed Roberts to the club and commended his attitude throughout the negotiation process in recent weeks.
“On behalf of all at the club, I’d like to welcome James to Wests Tigers,” Pascoe said.
“James is a phenomenal athlete and provides another x-factor to our outside backs.
“We firmly believe that the NRL is better off having talents like James in the competition and we’re looking forward to working closely with him both on and off the field.
“James understands the responsibility he has to his teammates, the Wests Tigers Members and all those associated with the club and is extremely determined to ensure this opportunity directly contributes to the success of Wests Tigers.”
Wests Tigers Coach Michael Maguire echoed Pascoe’s comments in welcoming Roberts to the club.
“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.”
Having made his first-grade debut for South Sydney in 2011, Roberts has amassed a 149-game career having previously featured for the Penrith Panthers (2013), Gold Coast Titans (2014-15), Brisbane Broncos (2016-19) and Rabbitohs (2019-20).
An Indigenous All Stars and New South Wales State of Origin representative — as well as a former Dally M Centre of the Year — Roberts possesses an exceptional attacking skillset with 74 career tries and adds an inimitable style to Wests Tigers outside backs in 2021.
