James Roberts has signalled his intention to earn the respect of his new Titans teammates after signing a two-year deal with the club.
The 21-year-old fullback/winger signed with the Gold Coast on Monday having been sacked by the Panthers earlier this month, this likely representing his last shot at securing a long-term NRL career.
The immensely talented outside back has scored 11 tries in 16 NRL appearances having made his debut in 2011 and playing 10 games for South Sydney that season.
It will be at least six weeks before Roberts is able to return to the field as he recuperates from an ankle injury and prepares himself for an NRL on the Gold Coast, where he spent some of his youth.
Roberts is thankful for the opportunity to work with the likes of former Penrith teammate Brad Tighe plus Preston Campbell, the club’s Titans 4 Tomorrow and Indigenous figurehead, as he establishes himself on the Gold Coast, and playing with childhood friend Albert Kelly.
“My priority is to work hard on earning the respect of everybody at the club and hopefully be back on the field in six to eight weeks,” said Roberts, who was man of the match in last year’s Holden Cup grand final won by the Panthers.
Titans coach John Cartwright said he is excited to have someone of Roberts’ outstanding attacking capabilities at the club and looks forward to providing a positive and professional environment for him to fulfil his undoubted potential and establish himself as a regular NRL player.