Either Brisbane or South Sydney will get their Christmas wish with James Roberts expected to decide between the two NRL clubs in the coming days.

Roberts is believed to have knocked back an offer from St George Illawarra on Tuesday, leaving only Brisbane and the Rabbitohs in the hunt for the ex-Gold Coast flyer.

The reigning Dally M Centre of the Year is expected to make an announcement before Christmas.

Roberts is a free agent after a Titans contract bungle, in which a Gold Coast staff member forged his initials on paperwork.

Roberts’ manager and uncle Jeremy Donovan met with South Sydney coach Michael Maguire and CEO John Lee on the weekend.

Roberts is also seen as the ideal replacement for retired captain and centre Justin Hodges at the Broncos.

Playing under Brisbane’s super coach Wayne Bennett – who led the Broncos to their first NRL grand final in nine years upon his 2015 return – also appeals to Roberts.

Both the Broncos and Rabbitohs have reportedly offered two year contracts worth up to $275,000 a season.

Bennett had tried to play down talk that the Broncos were interested in Roberts at last week’s unveiling of the 2016 NRL All-Stars teams in Brisbane.

Asked if Indigenous All Stars selection Roberts would play for Brisbane, World All Stars coach Bennett said: “Not to my knowledge.”