James Roby reveals he felt “disrespected” in Australia

St Helens are World Champions after they beat Penrith Panthers in their own backyard.

This came after they had been written off and maybe even disrespected by some as the likes of Phil Gould said that the Panthers “should be able to declare at halftime.”

Speaking on Sky Sports, St Helens skipper James Roby said that he felt “disrespected” by some down under.

Roby said: “Yeah definitely, it’s extra motivation. The NRL is widely regarded as the top competition and it is probably fair to say that but we know our top team can definitely compete with their top teams.

“When you go over there, you get an indication about the way people talk about you and what you can read in the press that they are looking down on you, that they are showing you some disrespect so that was huge motivation for us.

“We wanted to change some opinions and get some respect not just for us but Super League.

“It is probably the pinnacle of my career. I won it many moons ago, I didn’t really appreciate it then.

“I know the effort that’s gone into it, beating a Penrith side that is widely regarded as one of the best teams the NRL has ever seen and to beat them in their own backyard, and lucky enough to be captain that team.”