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Former South Sydney flyer James Roberts has signed a two-year NRL contract with Wests Tigers.

Wests Tigers have signed South Sydney flyer James Roberts on a two-year deal.

Roberts secured his future after gaining a release from South Sydney on compassionate grounds a fortnight ago, with the Tigers looking for speed after Melbourne retained Josh Addo-Carr for next season.

It will be Roberts' fifth club across a decade-long career that started with the Rabbitohs in 2011, before stints with Penrith, Gold Coast and Brisbane and a return to Souths.

An Indigenous All Stars and former NSW State of Origin representative, Roberts boasts 74 career tries and will be a welcome addition to the Tigers outside backs.

"The opportunity to reunite with Michael Maguire is too good to pass up and I'm looking forward to working closely with him again," Roberts said.

"I can't wait to start my new chapter with Wests Tigers."

The 27-year-old said he was impressed with the club's commitment to Indigenous pathways, which was something he was passionate about.

Tigers boss Justin Pascoe said he'd been impressed with Roberts on off the field as well as on.

"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," Pascoe said.

"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."