Ex-Souths star James Roberts’ secret meeting with Tigers powerbrokers

Former Rabbitohs star James Roberts has been linked with a move to the Wests Tigers after being let go by South Sydney last month.

James Roberts could be set to join the Tigers.

Former Rabbitohs star James Roberts has been linked with a move to the Wests Tigers after being let go by South Sydney last month.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported Roberts met with Tigers officials at a Concord cafe to discuss the possibility of joining the club.

Roberts was seen meeting with Tigers chief executive Justin Pascoe and football general manager Adam Hartigan after the club missed out on signing Storm star Josh Addo-Carr.

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Addo-Carr had signed a heads of agreement to join the Tigers on a four-year-deal provided he could get a release from the final year of his Storm deal, which was not forthcoming.

Addo-Carr will now see out the remainder of his contract with Melbourne in 2021, before plotting a return to Sydney in 2022.

The Tigers wasted no time in shifting their attention to South reject Roberts, who is on the lookout for a new club after mutually agreeing to bring his $500,000 deal for 2021 at Redfern to an end.

Souths released Roberts from the final year of his contract on compassionate grounds, with the star dealing with personal issues away from rugby league.

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The Rabbitohs were well stocked in the outside backs, with Latrell Mitchell, Dane Gagai, Alex Johnston, Corey Allan, Jaxson Paulo and Steven Marsters on their books for 2020.

Allan has been linked with a return to the Broncos after being given permission to explore his options.

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Roberts played just 18 games in his second stint at the Rabbitohs as he dealt with injuries, form and off-field personal issues.

His last game in the NRL was in Round 6 of the 2020 season against the Knights, but at his best the man they call Jimmy the Jet is one of the most dangerous attacking players in the game.

The 27-year-old has scored 74 tries in 149 games in the NRL since his debut in 2011.

James Roberts in action against the Tigers.

However Roberts, who has had a tough upbringing struggled in isolation during the coronavirus season shutdown period and checked himself into a rehabilitation clinic with the support of Souths to deal with anxiety and depression.

The Tigers are looking to add more strike to their backline with Roberts potentially making a devastating centre partnership with Joey Leilua.

The Tigers are also hopeful of luring Addo-Carr to Concord when his contract with Melbourne expires, which would give the club speed to burn out wide if they can secure Roberts and The Foxx.

Originally published as Ex-Souths star James Roberts’ secret meeting with Tigers powerbrokers