LUKE ROBINSON is hoping coming up against the best hooker in Super League will bring the very best out of him this weekend.
The Giants No9 is ready to pick himself up off the London Broncos canvas and go head-to-head against James Roby in Sunday’s big home clash against St Helens.
The 27-year-old admits it’s one of the biggest tests he faces in Super League.
But after recovering from a couple of heavy bangs during Huddersfield’s hard-fought 30-16 triumph in the capital on Sunday, Robinson is ready to see what the England hooker and early-season favourite for the Super League Man of Steel has to offer.
“I did cop my fair share of head knocks last weekend, that’s for sure,” said the former half-back.
“But that’s part and parcel of being so small really. It’s an occupational hazard being the same height as everyone else’s elbow!
“And because I know I’m not going to get any sympathy off anyone, it’s just a case of getting on with it.
“This week that means coming up against James Roby, and that’s one of the most challenging tasks I can face, so getting up for something likes this isn’t going to be a problem for me at all!
“I wouldn’t argue with anyone who said Robes is the best hooker there is in Super League. I don’t think there’s any doubt he’ll go down as a legend in our game.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside him with England, and it’s kind of ridiculous the way he plays.
“As well as being a great bloke, he’s a fantastic player. He always averages 40-odd tackles a game and is a massive attacking threat, so we know we’re going to have to watch him really closely all game.
“But I felt I had some decent battles against him last season and did okay.
“So I’m hoping that’s the case again this weekend. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Robinson is also hoping to get back to his best after feeling the effects of what proved to be a very physical battle against the Broncos.
Having taken a couple of early heavy head knocks, the former Wigan and Salford man had less minutes on the field than usual – something he wants to change straight away.
“Hopefully, I can play more of a part this weekend, and help us get another win under our belts,” he added.
“We’re pleased with the start we’ve made to the season, but we also know it’s still been far from perfect.
“There were a couple of areas that let us down against London last weekend, and we don’t want that to be the case against Saints on Sunday.
“If we don’t improve, we’ll lose. Simple as that.
“But we’re feeling confident we will be better.
“We know exactly where we went wrong, and we want to show everyone we’ve got what it takes to put that right straight away and are able to beat a side that we know will be there or thereabouts again this season.”
