ENGLAND and St Helens hooker James Roby is chomping at the bit to return to the international stage this Saturday when England face France at Leigh Sports Village (2.00pm).
The 29-year old, who missed the Four Nations last year Down Under through injury, last pulled on an England jersey in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup semi-final against New Zealand.
He is itching to get back into the frame with England, and is expecting a tough test from France.
“It was disappointing to not play in the Four Nations last year, but it gave my body a rest after surgery which was really beneficial,” said Roby. “But I’m raring to go now. My body feels good despite a long season with St Helens, but any opportunity to represent your country is one I always want to take, regardless if it’s a friendly or not.
“It will be a great test for us on Saturday against France. We can’t afford to take them lightly and we want a good performance going into the series against New Zealand.”
Saturday’s clash with France will be the first England game staged at the Leigh Sports Village since 2011.
With spirits high in the England camp, Roby is hoping they will be well-supported as England face the ideal preparation ahead of the three-game series against the highest ranked team in the world.
“It’s always great playing at Leigh. It’s a great, modern stadium with a town that is mad about its Rugby League,” he said. “We want as many people there supporting us as possible. It really means a lot when you play in front a lot of fans and the more that are there supporting us, the better.
“There’s a great spirit in the camp. We’ve had regular meetings as we build towards something special. We all get along really well and hopefully we can show that out on the field this weekend.”
Tickets for England v France at Leigh Sports Village on Saturday October 24 at 2.00pm are priced at only £10 for adults and just £5 for concessions.
Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.rugbyleaguetickets.co.uk or by calling the Rugby League Ticket Hotline on 0844 856 1113.
