James Roberts joins Gold Coast Titans, Melbourne Storm’s Kevin Proctor could be next

SACKED Penrith flyer James Roberts will sign with the Titans today - and Melbourne’s Kevin Proctor could be next.

SACKED Penrith flyer James Roberts will sign a three-year contract with the Titans today as it emerged the Gold Coast has been offered Melbourne Storm’s Kiwi international Kevin Proctor.

Roberts and his management will meet with Titans hierarchy today to finalise the details of a long-term deal at his third NRL club.

The 21-year-old has been punted by South Sydney and Penrith over off-field issues and is seeking what could be a final shot at the NRL.

Roberts’ signature, which will allow him to play this season, comes as the Titans weigh up whether they will launch a poaching raid on local product Proctor for 2015.

James Roberts during his time at Penrith.

Proctor is off-contract this year and has strong ties to the Gold Coast, having graduated from Palm Beach Currumbin’s renowned league nursery in 2007 and playing his junior football for Tugun.

The 25-year-old back-rower has been a key part of Melbourne’s recent dominance, playing 108 games since making his NRL debut as a teenager in 2008.

Proctor’s manager, Chris Orr, said his client was keen to stay in Melbourne but the Gold Coast was an attractive option.

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“We’re talking to a number of clubs who have shown interest,” he said.

“His best football is in front of him and everyone acknowledges that. He’s a six-foot-four, 105kg back-rower who can ball-play.

“There are a lot of attractive things about Kevin coming home.

“He’s starting a family this year. Him and his partner are from the Gold Coast and their families are here too.

“But he’s also made it apparent that if Melbourne are within striking distance then he’d like to stay at the club.”

Kevin Proctor of the Storm.

Titans boss Graham Annesley said the club had been approached about Proctor and was yet to decide if it would pursue the two-Test forward.

“We’ve been approached about him, rather than the other way around,” he said.

“At this stage we haven’t really indicated our position.

“We’ve got a number of players coming off contract at the end of the year and haven’t really formulated a position.

“It hasn’t gone anywhere. There’s been no discussions.”

The Titans have some tough decisions to make with veteran forwards Luke Bailey (34), Mark Minichiello (32) and Ashley Harrison (32) coming off-contract.

“We have got players coming off at the end of the year and we have to see what happens with performances this season,” Annesley said.

“We have to see how the team performs and who’s on the market.”