Hooker James Roby says St Helens are ready for Leeds

CARNEGIE CHALLENGE CUP SEMI-FINAL
Venue: Galpharm Stadium Date: Saturday, 7 August Kick-off: 1430 BST
Coverage: Live on BBC 1 and BBC Sport website; full commentary on BBC Radio Leeds and BBC Radio Merseyside

Roby has become a fixture in the St Helens team in recent weeks

St Helens hooker James Roby has said the Saints are well prepared to face Leeds in the Challenge Cup semi-final at the Galpharm Stadium on Saturday.

The 24-year-old said last week's 26-24 Super League win over Warrington was the best preparation for the tie.

Roby told BBC Radio Merseyside: "We're doing really well, hopefully we can use the win at Warrington as a stepping stone to peak at the right time.

"I'm confident everyone will turn up mentally and we can get the job done."

Roby, who has recently managed to force his way into the St Helens team, is hoping his current form will help the side progress to the Wembley final and secure the Super League title for a 13th time.

"From a personal point of view I'm happy with the way I'm going this year," Roby added. "Hopefully I can continue to play well and carry that form into the Challenge Cup final.

"I'm really enjoying starting games and staying on for the full 80 minutes. I'm happy to play wherever the coach or the team needs me."

Leeds are a tough side to play against but we've got a pretty good bunch of forwards ourselves

Paul Clough

Forward Paul Clough is also in line for a place in the 17-man squad for the match-up against the Rhinos, and the 22-year-old is confident in his side's forward line.

"Leeds are a tough side to play against," Clough said, "but we've got a pretty good bunch of forwards ourselves.

"We'll definitely be there or thereabouts and we'll be more than happy to put our bodies on the line and hopefully lay the platform for the backs.

"What's been proven at Saints in the past couple of years, with all the young lads coming through, is that there is competition for places. Just because you're an old guy and you've played internationals and you've played lots of games, your spot isn't guaranteed.

"You've got to be playing well week-in, week-out. Hopefully, I can earn a spot in the in the 17 this Saturday and do my best to help my teammates out and get a result.

"If we get on top, hopefully the result will go our way."