The future of outside back James Roberts at Gold Coast remains uncertain after the contract controversy that has rocked the NRL club.

Roberts is essentially a free agent after it was revealed on Thursday a senior member of the Titans’ staff had forged the outside back’s initials in an amendment to his contract.

The incident forced the club into emergency talks with Roberts’ management on Friday in an attempt to keep the 22-year-old on their books.

Despite them expressing confidence Roberts is keen to stay, the situation remains unresolved.

“The Titans, James and his management team remain committed to a swift outcome allowing James and the club to continue focusing on preparations for the 2016 season,” a statement from the club read, adding that talks would resume on Monday.

Rival clubs will be keen to monitor the situation with Roberts re-igniting his NRL career in 2015.

Sacked for off-field misdemeanours at both Penrith and South Sydney, the Titans handed Roberts an NRL lifeline in 2014.

Since then he has established himself as a key attacking weapon in coach Neil Henry’s squad, scoring 21 tries in 36 appearances.

His efforts also resulted in a NSW City appearance in the annual City-Country clash.

The controversy over his contract has resulted in Titans’ football manager Scott Clark quitting the club.

The NRL, who own the Titans after they were placed into voluntary administration at the start of the 2015 season, say they are happy with how the club is handling the issue.

“It is a club matter but based on the information provided, the integrity unit is satisfied with the way the Titans have handled the matter,” the NRL said in a statement.