Roberts ready to put nightmare behind him

Ben Roberts last played rugby league seven months ago but the Castleford utility is finally nearing a return to the field.

Roberts has been out since May 21 after an appearance against Warrington at Magic Weekend.

The halfback played only five games in 2016 after rupturing tendons in his foot.

“I tore two of the main tendons in my foot which holds your foot together,” Roberts explained to Love Rugby League.

“Pretty much my foot had come apart, my bones had come apart so they had to sort it.

“Two plates and six screws to screw it all back together but it’s coming along now.”

Roberts admits being out of action for so long was a huge learning curve.

“It’s frustrating but it’s been a big learning curve for me,” he said.

“Obviously having such a serious injury and not knowing anything about it, it sort of made me step back and take everything in.

“The injury’s coming along well and I’m doing every I can. I’m not leaving any stone unturned in my rehab and recovery so it’s looking good.”

Roberts is yet to resume full training but expects to make an appearance in a trial game before round one.

Castleford face Wakefield on January 15, Batley on the 27th and St Helens on the 29th before Super League starts.

“I’m probably not far off it [full training],” he said.

“I’m definitely hoping to get a trial before round one and see how we go from there but it’s looking good at the moment.”

Roberts made 25 appearances in his first year with the Tigers, crossing for nine tries.

Able to play in the halves, at hooker and at fullback, it will be interesting to see where Daryl Powell employs the Samoan international in 2017.

Cas have strong competition for places with Luke Gale, Rangi Chase, Greg Eden and Zak Hardaker all vying for starting spots.

The 31-year old believes he can get back to the form he displayed in Super League in 2015  and help the Tigers to a strong season.

“Definitely, I’m confident at the moment,” he said.

“I feel like I found my feet eventually and I just want to build on that. We’ve got great players.”