James Roberts has returned to NRL leaders South Sydney Rabbitohs after being granted a release from Brisbane Broncos.

Roberts joins South Sydney immediately until the end of the 2021 season – the 26-year-old eligible for selection from round 13.

He made his NRL debut with the Rabbitohs in 2011 before leaving for Penrith Panthers and moving to Gold Coast Titans and then the Broncos in 2016.

However, Roberts – who featured in all three State of Origin games for the triumphant New South Wales Blues last year – has reunited with former Broncos head coach Wayne Bennett at Redfern.

"I'm really excited to be coming back to Souths and playing under Wayne again," Roberts said. "There are some great players at this club and I can't wait to get into training and getting back on the field.

"I want to thank the Broncos for everything they've done for me and my family over the past four years, but it's time to move on and to be coming back to the club that I consider to be home is really special.

"I know what it means to the Members, fans and the community to represent South Sydney. Now I can't wait to pull on that red and green jersey and play for the Members and the fans of the Rabbitohs."

Roberts has made 131 NRL appearances, with 10 of those coming via his first season with the Rabbitohs.

"James is a South Sydney junior who knows what it means to represent the Rabbitohs," general manager Shane Richardson said."He understands the standards set by 'The Rabbitoh Way'.

"He recognises and understands his responsibilities to the club, his team mates and coaches, the members and corporate partners, the board and investors, and anyone else connected to South Sydney.

"Make no bones about it, James is an immense talent, a player capable of representing his state and country under the right guidance, and we feel that James can return to his best football under Wayne [Bennett] and the senior players we have here at this club.

"He will add great strike to our backline and through our discussions with him, we know he wants to return to South Sydney for the right reasons, and he wants to help deliver this club their 22nd Premiership. We're all looking forward to seeing James back in the red and green jersey."