ROBY’S A DIAMOND
Woolf hails Saints skipper James buthopes changes to workload mean his appearances will NOT be repeated
ST HELENS boss Kristian Woolf believes rugby league needs to be “sensible” to make sure James Roby’s remarkable exploits AREN’T repeated.
The iconic Saints captain edges ever closer to Leeds legend Kevin Sinfield’s all-time Super League record of 454 games when the champions visit Warrington tonight.
Hooker Roby (right) will go past ex-Castleford, Bradford and
Hull prop Andy Lynch’s total of 452 so there’s only one man left in his sights. The former England star, who turns 37 in November, is expected to retire at the end of the campaign.
His form suggests, though, he could go on even longer. Woolf will not argue with that.
But the coach doesn’t believe anyone will – or even be allowed to – break the Super League record again once the ex-Man of Steel has hopefully done so.
“I just can’t sing Robes’ praises enough,” said Woolf, as the leaders continue their bid for a fourth straight Super League title. “I don’t think it will be broken. The modern game has changed a little.
“But if we’re sensible we probably shouldn’t see it again and we do play too many games here.
“There needs to be more streamlining and a little more thought into how we look after the players. And if we do that sensibly we shouldn’t see 500-plus games again. But that certainly doesn’t take away from the effort and achievement of Robes.
“He’s outstanding – he’s the best leader and captain I’ve ever had the privilege of dealing with.”
It’ll also be Roby’s 550th career appearance this evening as Saints look to heap more misery on misfiring Warrington, who have revealed they won’t be offering ex-England winger Josh Charnley a new deal for next season.
He retired from international rugby league last year but remains the best hooker in Super League, prompting talk of him potentially having one last international hurrah at the World Cup.
Woolf added: “Looking at how he’s playing he can go on and have a real influence this year and, most likely crack on and do it again next.
“But he’s got to want to do that.”