SIMPLE PLAN FIRES SAINTS
JAMES ROBY has revealed the secret behind St Helens’ return to playing champagne rugby – keeping it simple.
Saints head into tonight’s clash with Hull FC four points clear at the Super League summit, scoring almost 30 points a game.
They have climbed there playing a style of rugby closely associated with the St Helens teams of the past – a remit handed to coach Justin Holbrook on his arrival in May.
But Roby, made skipper of his home-town team this season, says there are no extravagant game-plans behind the success.
Roby said: “Justin’s done little tweaks in training, but if anything I reckon he’s simplified what we do and made us better at the basics of rugby.
“In a way it’s that that’s bringing out our attacking flair.
“I live in the town and people are constantly telling us that we’re playing like the Saints of old – people are noticing it and we’re aware of that.
“But it’s not a conscious thing to go out and say we’ll throw the ball about like mad men. If the opportunity presents itself we take it.”
A key ingredient to Saints’ attacking success has been the form of Aussie full-back Ben Barba (above left).
Roby said: “He’s been great for us. You can put him in a situation where nine times out of 10 most people would get tackled but the next minute he’s beaten three or four players and scored a try or put somebody else over.
“We’re very lucky to have him – you give him the ball in dangerous positions and he comes up with big plays.”
Roby sees tonight’s Hull challenge as the third game of the Easter period in just eight days – but insists Saints aren’t complaining.
He added: “Once you start using it as an excuse, mentally you can switch off and play down the importance of the game.”