Castleford Tigers: Ben Roberts is relishing role reversal with Tigers

SWITCHING TO full-back does not worry Castleford Tigers' World Cup star Ben Roberts.
Ben Roberts.Ben Roberts.
Ben Roberts.

The Samoan international is set to start the season in the No 1 role as replacement for 2017 Man of Steel nominee Zak Hardaker.

Hardaker remains provisionally suspended following a positive drugs test and is not expected to figure in Tigers coach Daryl Powell’s plans this year.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Roberts played at stand-off during last season’s surge to the Betfred Super League leaders’ shield and the title decider against Leeds Rhinos, but has slotted in successfully at full-back in the past.

Daryl Powell.Daryl Powell.
Daryl Powell.

“I had a good chat with Powelly about a week after the Grand Final and we discussed me playing full-back so it’s something I’ve known about for a while,” he revealed.

“He asked my opinion and I’m happy to take on the challenge.

“It’s not going to be easy, I know that.

“It’s going to take some hard work, but I’m willing to do that.

Zak Hardaker.Zak Hardaker.
Zak Hardaker.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I’ve played there before and I haven’t lost a game at full-back so that’s pretty good stat to have!”

Roberts reckons reverting to full-back will give him “the opportunity to showcase my skill a little bit more”, but admitted the role is a challenge.

“At the same time you’ve got to be a lot fitter to do that,” he added.

“My conditioning levels have got to be a lot more than if I was in the halves so I’m working hard on that.

Daryl Powell.Daryl Powell.
Daryl Powell.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Daryl’s smart and he knows what I’m capable of and what my strengths and weaknesses are so there might be a few things in our game we might just have to tweak a bit, just to sort of help me out there, but I wouldn’t think there would be too much difference.”

Tigers’ first-team squad were flying to Lanzarote today for a warm-weather training camp, which Roberts described as “pretty important”.

He said: “Obviously we got a lot out of it last year.

“A few new faces have come into the squad from other teams and we’ve got a few from the under-19s so it’s good opportunity to get to know each other on a personal level.”