Castleford Tigers new recruit Ben Roberts admits the prospect of an off-season didn’t even enter his mind following the Four Nations, saying he simply wanted to get started on training with his new club.
Roberts recently arrived in the United Kingdom following an impressive Four Nations with Samoa, where his performances earned rave reviews. And he said that he was too excited to get to Castleford to even contemplate taking a break, saying he’s loved every moment of his time at the club so far.
“I’m here to do a job, and that’s to play footy, not take a break. When Daryl asked me to come in and start so soon, I didn’t think twice about it,” Roberts told League Express.
“I’ve been fortunate in that the club said they’d give me a couple of weeks off over Christmas, and I’ll definitely put my feet up then. I was pretty excited to get over here, having a break didn’t really cross my mind. I just wanted to get stuck into training and get to know everyone, and so far it’s been brilliant.
“I haven’t quite settled in yet, but the boys have been very welcoming, as has everyone at the club. They’ve made the transition a lot easier, that’s for sure.”
Roberts revealed that he’s studied Super League and the Tigers closely since his move to the club was confirmed, and says that whilst he’s expecting Super League to be different to the NRL, the way Castleford play will suit his game perfectly.
“Last year I caught a lot of Cas games. When I knew I was coming to the club I did a lot of homework in terms of the style the club play, and the way they go about their business,” he said.
“That was something that appealed to me when I watched them play too – they play the game in a great way. Daryl has got the team playing a good style of footy that I think will suit my game, and I can’t wait to jump into a game.
“I think you’ve got to expect a change in the style between the two leagues, or it will be difficult to adjust. I’m expecting it to be a lot faster and a lot more open. That will suit me though, because one of my strengths is running, and if the game is open then that will be hugely beneficial for me.”
Roberts is not the first member of his family to play professional sport in the North of England – his cousin is former Everton footballer Tim Cahill. And he revealed that Australian international Cahill had given him some sound advice ahead of his move – which he failed to heed.
“The main thing was that he told me to wrap up warm! I don’t think I listened to that advice, it’s certainly cold over here – I need to buy some jumpers now I’m here!
“He told me to enjoy it though, he thinks a lot of England and he loves it here, obviously he’d been here a while before he moved clubs, and it’s going to be a great experience.”
