Roberts looking forward to full-back challenge

New Castleford number one Ben Roberts is relishing the challenge of taking over as the club’s full-back.

Roberts, 32, has been given the nod by coach Daryl Powell to fill the shoes of Zak Hardaker, suspended on the eve of the Grand Final defeat to Leeds for drugs use.

The former Canterbury and Parramatta playmaker started six games at full-back for the Tigers in 2015, tasting victory five times.

He told the club’s official website: “I’m looking forward to the challenge. I spoke with Daryl the week after the Grand Final and he mentioned I’d be the guy who would go there.

“I said to him that I was happy to do the job; it’s going to be a big and a tough challenge but it’s one I’m looking forward to.”

Roberts started at full-back as the Tigers defeated Leeds 16-4 in their latest pre-season friendly on Sunday.