James Roby raring to go again for England

Roby, who sat out the Four Nations last year Down Under, last pulled on an England jersey in the agonising 2013 Rugby League World Cup semi-final defeat against New Zealand at Wembley.

Roby has had another immense season in the red vee, earning a call-up to the fictitious Dream Team.

Having taken that shirt and the England one back off Warrington's Daryl Clark the 29-year-old is aiming to make a big impression ahead of the Kiwi test series, but expects 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 of 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 Leigh since 2011.

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 £10 for adults and £5 for concessions.