St Helens pack will be key in Wigan play-off - Roby

Roby (in white) made his debut in 2004 against the Widnes Vikings

St Helens hooker James Roby says the strength of the packs could decide the outcome of Sunday's Super League clash against the Wigan Warriors.

The two sides meet at the DW Stadium in a qualifying play-off.

"It'll be two massive packs going at each other. A lot of games are won and lost in the middle of the field," Roby told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"If we perform, we're capable of beating them. Hopefully we can turn it on and get that victory."

The two sides have met four times this season, with St Helens losing three and drawing one, but Roby remains upbeat about his side's chances.

"A few times this year we've been really close but full credit to Wigan the way they've played all year," added Roby.

"They've been consistent and deserve to be where they are."

In addition, Roby is aware of the danger posed by Wigan's star full-back Sam Tomkins.

"He's an attacking threat from bringing the ball back from kicks, so we'll discuss ways to solve it. Hopefully we can make the right choices most of the time and come away with the win."

Roby believes the atmosphere at the DW Stadium will help to motivate his team on to victory.

"I've got fond memories of playing at the DW just for the atmosphere.

"They have tremendous support and we take a lot of fans as well. The atmosphere will be electric. It'll be really vocal and you can definitely tell the difference between a Saints-Wigan game and any other game," said Roby.

"Hopefully we can take confidence from that and make that work in our favour."