Ben Roberts aiming to sing Castleford Tigers' victory song on regular basis

CASTLEFORD TIGERS' Benny Roberts spent so much time out injured last year that he almost forgot the team's victory song.
Castleford Tigers' Ben Roberts on the attack against Leigh Centurions.  Picture: Bruce RollinsonCastleford Tigers' Ben Roberts on the attack against Leigh Centurions.  Picture: Bruce Rollinson
Castleford Tigers' Ben Roberts on the attack against Leigh Centurions. Picture: Bruce Rollinson

The classy former New Zealand half-back injured his foot at Warrington Wolves last March but then, in his first game back at Magic Weekend two months later, aggravated it further, requiring surgery that sidelined him for the rest of the campaign.

However, he came off the bench at hooker to help Castleford’s new season get off to a winning start against Leigh Centurions and will feature again tomorrow as, coincidentally, they head to beaten Grand Finalists Warrington again in their second fixture.

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“One thing I have learned from last year is never to take that winning feeling for granted,” said the 31-year-old.

Castleford Tigers' coach Daryl Powell. 
Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.Castleford Tigers' coach Daryl Powell. 
Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Castleford Tigers' coach Daryl Powell. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“That’s the one thing I missed – or didn’t realise I missed until round one – having a good win with the boys and being able to celebrate that win.

“I did forget it (the song) for a split second, but once they started singing it came to me.”

Tigers have been tipped for big things in 2017 and their credentials will certainly be tested as they head to a Warrington side who did wonders for Super League by beating Brisbane Broncos in the World Club Series on Saturday.

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“They were the better team, no doubt,” said Roberts, who played in the NRL himself with Canterbury, Parramatta Eels and Melbourne Storm before moving to Castleford ahead of the 2015 campaign.

Castleford Tigers' coach Daryl Powell. 
Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.Castleford Tigers' coach Daryl Powell. 
Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.
Castleford Tigers' coach Daryl Powell. Picture: Jonathan Gawthorpe.

“Having Kevin Brown there made a bit of a difference; he is a class player and one we will have to watch this week.

“He brings that structure and he has got a good skills set as well.

“But it is a good opportunity for us to make a good statement; we’ve probably been looked at as a team that can only attack, but in the pre-season our main focus has been defence.

“We know it is going to be tough, but the boys and are full of confidence in our defence now and our structure.

“I think this will be a good weekend for us to show that.”