James Roby: Wigan are not years off, they are already on our heels

James Roby has responded to Matt Peet’s claims that it will take Wigan years to end St Helens’ current dominance, believing they are almost there already.

Speaking after the Warriors won at Salford earlier this month, Peet told Love Rugby League that despite winning the Challenge Cup, Wigan are realistic in seeing they are still way adrift of the standard being set by their treble-winning bitter rivals Saints.

“We are under no illusions where we sit,” Peet told Love Rugby League. “They are such a fantastic team. I’ve said before that I think it will take years before they are not the best team. 

“They are an exceptional team and I don’t think they will be worried about us, that is truthful. We are very honest with ourselves and know that we have a lot of improvement in us.”

LEGEND: James Roby on possible England return & will he play on in 2023?

James Roby praises Peet: Wigan are snapping at our heels

Roby has since surpassed Kevin Sinfield as the leading appearance maker in Super League history. He believes Wigan are far closer than they are giving themselves credit for; and admits that Kristian Woolf’s league leaders are already looking over their shoulders.

“The way they are building that new culture it feels like a bit of a fresh start for Wigan,” Roby told Love Rugby League this week. “And winning the Challenge Cup Final will help them in leaps and bounds.

“They are snapping at our heels. He is probably trying to be nice saying that we are out in front, but I think the gap is a lot closer than that. 

“Wigan are quality and are never going to go away. Maybe the last couple of years they have slipped below their standards or dropped a little bit but I am very impressed with how they are going under Matty Peet’s leadership. They will be there at the end of the year.”

PODCAST: Andrew Henderson on Combined Nations All Stars & international rugby league