Cronulla Sharks lead the race to sign sacked South Sydney youngster James Roberts

CRONULLA are manoeuvring to sign sacked Souths flyer James Roberts.

CRONULLA are manoeuvring to sign sacked Souths flyer James Roberts.

The Sharks met with Roberts on Friday, two days after he was punted from the Rabbitohs, to discuss a deal which would see the troubled youngster replace Colin Best.

The nephew of former NRL star Amos Roberts travelled to Cronulla with his manager Daryl Mather to talk with coach Shane Flanagan and football manager Darren Mooney.

The 19-year-old, who was named in the 2011 Toyota Cup team of the year and played 10 top-grade games for Souths last year, had the final year of his contract terminated for misbehaving while on a trip away.

Fellow under-20s player Adrian Ha'angana was also sacked and he has already been linked to Manly.

South Sydney officials claimed it was one of a number of indiscretions with Roberts, forcing them to axe one of the code's most promising young players.

A hugely talented outside back, Roberts was asked to explain his indiscretions when he met with Flanagan and Mooney.

"Shane and I did meet with James," Mooney said.

"We sat down with him and asked him what he had done and now it is up to the club to determine whether or not he can fit into the culture here.

"We discussed what had happened at Souths and obviously we have to consider those reasons before we make a decision on him."

The Sharks are on the hunt for an outside back and Roberts is seen as an ideal candidate to join the likes of Michael Gordon and Luke Lewis at the club next year.

Mooney said the club had not yet made Roberts an offer and would speak to the board for approval before moving forward with negotiations.

"We have not made a decision yet," Mooney said.

"Shane and I will have to sit down and discuss it further. I think he was very honest with us and I think he is a good kid. We will talk about it more before making a decision."

The Sharks have taken several risks with fallen stars over the past five years.

Former Dally M medallist Todd Carney heads the list, with the sacked Roosters playmaker playing for NSW this year and keeping out of trouble.

A deal with Roberts could be finalised as early as this week should the Sharks decide to take a punt on the prolific tryscorer.

Other clubs have also expressed interest, but Roberts was impressed by Flanagan and the Sharks and an opportunity to play centre will prove too hard to resist.