Roby expecting to be spelled in 2016

James Roby is expecting to be spelled during the 2016 season, which he believes may benefit him and St Helens throughout the season.

The St Helens hooker has become known in the rugby league community as being an ’80-minute player’ for the Saints following the retirement of now head coach Keiron Cunningham. 

His all-action and determined performances have become so synonomous with the 30 year-old, that people sometimes forget just how much work Roby gets through. 

The St Helens-born star has openly said that he enjoys being out on the pitch for the whole game, but concedes that it may not become possible for him during next season.

“I have said I enjoy playing the full 80. If people were to come on and ask if I wanted to come off then I would always say no,” Roby told the St Helens star.

“I like being involved, but I have to think now that in rugby terms I am getting on and I have played a lot of games in the sport. The wear and tear on my body means it is probably common sense if there is options here and there to give me a break, then it makes sense.”

The England international admits that spells on the sideline for himself may see him play for longer in the future than he may have predicted, in the way that the likes of Jamie Peacock in recent times have done. 

“We never know, not only could it help me performance wise, but it could put another year on my career,” he said.

“As much as I don’t like coming off, I know that could be for the better. There are a number of lads snapping at my heels and that is good for us as a squad.”

Roby says that the depth of the St Helens squad is now so good that personal battles for the same position could push the Saints on to glory in 2016.

“We have definitely improved the squad,” he said.

“The competition for places drives people on – and there is a daily competition battle that does on that a lot of people don’t see. That will bring out the best of people.”