St Helens skipper James Roby is geared up for his last hurrah

The 37-year-old hooker had been due to hang up his boots at the end of last year, but his durability and ability to consistently produce quality performances over big minutes meant both club and player wanted to carry on.

And four weeks into a pre-season routine that he could do blind-folded, Roby is excited by the personal and team challenges ahead.

For Roby it is not merely the opportunity of leading the reigning champions to what would be a remarkable five Super League titles in a row, but he also wants to play his part in developing the next potential incumbents of the number nine jersey bequeathed to him by Keiron Cunningham.

Although Roby’s longevity has been subject of jocular speculation for years, it very much sounds like the skipper is gearing himself up for one last special effort in the red vee.

Roby said: “I think this one has got to be my last. I have played the game long enough and played in enough games to know my body and a few tell-tale signs.

“I would not have re-signed if I did not think I was still capable of doing a job and be of value to the team.

“But I understand I am a bit older and a bit slower and a bit sorer in the morning. That is a fact – there’s no getting around it, but I am going to push through it and I am ready for that challenge to go again.

“I am really looking forward to being part of this group again for one more year.

“The success we have had this past four years has been tremendous, and I want to be a part of it again and I don’t see why we can’t be there challenging for trophies again.

“But for me I am ready now, I have played the game long enough and am ready for that next chapter of my life – whatever that may be - but there is a long way to go between now and next October.”

Should Roby remain fit, he will become Saints’ appearance record holder. Currently on 522, Roby will draw level with former skipper Eric Chisnall in his next appearance and then will have the legendary Kel Coslett’s 531 in his sights.

As last year of landmark celebrations proved, Roby does not crave the fuss and fanfare but shows a desire to just get on with it and modestly declare that he wants to continue “adding value to the team”.

“From a personal point of view I have already reached a few milestones which have been great for myself,” he said.

“When I finish I will look back at all of that and be proud – and yes, I am proud, but I do downplay some bits.

“With this year being my last year, I just want to go out there and perform to a good standard and be of value to the team and be a player and a teammate to have around.”

Roby declaring his last year in the red vee should act as a signal for the club’s other two hookers Joey Lussick and Taylor Pemberton to seize any opportunities that come their way to stake their claim.

Roby, who has been a master in the dummy half craft, sees his presence in 2023 as one that will aid rather than hinder the pair’s development.

He said: “We are competitive and always trying to outdo each other at training – that is the nature of the game.

“Joey – like everyone else - probably thought I was going to retire up to a certain point last year, but he will know now that I am definitely retiring at the end of this year and Joey will know that the number 9 shirt is up for grabs in 2024.

“One of the reasons I wanted to stay around was not just because I was enjoying being here, but I want to help those lads progress.

“I want to leave the club in a good place. If that means helping whoever takes my role or some of the young lads coming through to the first team environment then that falls on my shoulders and the other senior lads to try and fulfil that role.

“Young Taylor (Pemberton) is training with us all the time – so between the three of us we are vying for that spot.”

Although there has been little way in the change with the roster, with only Regan Grace moving on from the top 17, there is a large degree of continuity with the playing group there have been changes in the coaching staff.

Kristian Woolf’s departure means that Paul Wellens becomes Roby’s ninth Saints head coach – and he was pleased with that appointment having seen his development through the ranks from player, captain and assistant.

Roby said: “It is great that Wello has the job. He has been around for the whole time I have been here and someone I looked up to as a youngster – our relationship ius fantastic and that is a real strength.

“Some people can put question marks on ex-players as coaches but with Wello he has played with a few of us, myself, Tommy, Louie, Jonny and Percy – we know what he is about.

“You are a reflection of your environment and Paul has been a part of that longer than any of us.

“We all look up to him and I have seen his journey as a player and assistant coach.

“He is ready for it. Even in pre-season we can see the amount of time and effort he has put in, the way he thinks about the game and communicates it.

“The biggest thing about Wello is that he cares about this club and wants everything to be the best he can be. He’ll do everything he can do to get us firing.

“We have some continuity – the squad and staff have not changed too much apart from Laurent Frayssinous coming in as assistant.

“We know what works, let’s repeat it. We have high standards here and we don’t drop those.

“We will improve in every area, compete in every area and we have our own values that we abide by and Wello has been a driving force in that for 20 odd years.”