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Friday, 12th March 2010

Roby: Fans must play their part

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Published Date: 13 November 2009
James Roby wants England's vocal supporters to scare the Aussies in submission.
The England hooker believes the noise generated by an English crowd can make a huge difference this weekend when the host nation will start as massive underdogs.

Roby felt that he and his team-mates were physically lifted by the atmosphere at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield for last Saturday's 20-12 victory over New Zealand.

And he wants more of the same when England face the Aussies in the Gillette Four Nations decider at Elland Road on Saturday.

"The fans really got behind us at the Galpharm Stadium and they all played their part in the win against the Kiwis," said the St Helens hooker.

"Every Rugby League follower has a part to play in getting us where we want to be this Saturday.

"A lot of the time you are so focused as a player that the atmosphere passes you by but that's rarely the case when you are representing your country.

"Last Saturday was brilliant because every time we were put under pressure the crowd gave us a lift and we all responded.

"The Aussies aren't used to the kind of atmosphere we get at matches over here. The crowd is what makes games so special in this country.

"If they get behind us they can help us intimidate the Aussies. If they are loud the Aussies may start doubting themselves, so the louder the better.

"We want supporters from every club to get behind us on Saturday but for me, James Graham and Jon Wilkin it would mean the world to have the entire St Helens crowd roaring us on."

Roby was a member of the Great Britain team that defeated Australia 23-12 in the Gillette Tri-Nations in 2006, an experience he feels he is long overdue to enjoy with England.

"It's an amazing feeling to beat the Aussies and one I hope everyone in the England team gets to share this weekend," he said.

"No-one needs to be motivated to get up for this, we're all ready for it and know what's at stake. It's massive and we're in good shape to achieve our goal.

"Last Saturday was definitely our best performance of the tournament so far, it was just what we needed.

"It would be awesome to win on Saturday. Everyone keeps telling us that the Aussies are the best and to be the best you have to beat the best.

"If we can put in a performance like we did against New Zealand and make some improvements then we'll be in with a shout."

* Tickets for next Saturday's Gillette Four Nations Final between England and Australia at Elland Road, Leeds are still available and prices start from £20 for adults and £10 for concessions.

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  • Last Updated: 13 November 2009 9:50 AM
  • Source: n/a
  • Location: St Helens
 
 

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