Fairfax Media can reveal that a re-worked clause in Roberts' contract was not signed by the 22-year-old and instead initialled by the club's football manager Scott Clark. It is understood that the clause pertained to a financial bonus Roberts would receive should he be selected for State of Origin.

Clark resigned on Thursday after almost eight years with the Titans. The club's chief executive, Graham Annesley, confirmed Clark's departure to Fairfax Media.

"Scott has submitted his resignation and we have accepted it," Annesley said. "Other than that it is a confidential employment matter that I can't make any further comment on."

Roberts inked a lucrative, two-year contract extension with the Titans earlier this year. It is unclear if the contract bungle will mean Roberts is again a free agent. The speedy outside back would be in demand by a host of NRL clubs after a breakthrough 2015 season where he was awarded a debut representative jersey after appearing for City.

Roberts was a shining light in an otherwise bleak season for the Titans, scoring 16 tries in 24 games. After troubled stints at South Sydney and Penrith, Roberts found a home in his second season at the Titans.

Attempts to contact Clark and Roberts' manager Darryl Mather were unsuccessful. The NRL – who own the Titans – has been informed by the club. The governing body took over the club at the start of this year after it entered voluntary administration.

The Titans have been plagued by controversy this season. Before a ball was even kicked, a host of current and former players were hit with cocaine charges while would-be star recruit Daly Cherry-Evans back flipped on a rich contract to remain at Manly.

On the field, the Titans struggled under Neil Henry's first full season as coach, finishing two points away from a wooden spoon with nine wins.

The Titans announced earlier this month that they would relocate to a new purpose built high performance training and administration centre at Parkwood International Golf Club midway through 2016.