WANE WANTS ROBY RETURN AT WORLD CUP

ENGLAND boss Shaun Wane has left the door open for James Roby to come out of international retirement and play in the World Cup.

The St Helens talisman surpassed Kevin Sinfield’s record for all-time Super league appearances as he played for the 455th time on Sunday.

Roby, 36, had initially planned to retire at the end of the season, but there are hopes he will extend his playing career by another 12 months.

That would open the door for a final hurrah ahead of October’s showpiece tournament.

and while Wane insisted he would not try to convince Roby (above) to change his mind, he would welcome him back into the fold should he decide to come out of international retirement.

“I’ve not spoken to him and you can ask him that,” said Wane (below).

“He phoned me and told me he wanted to retire and I’ve too much respect for him.

“He’s an outstanding player and he’s still doing it now. I’ve all the respect for James Roby and, if he changes his mind, I’m sure he’ll let me know.”

In Roby’s absence, fellow veteran hooker Micky McIlorum has been given a first call-up in nine years after a remarkable rise in form while playing for Catalans dragons.

Wane coached the 34-year-old during their time together at Wigan, and he called on the country’s other contenders in the position to reach his level between now and the end of the season.

He added: “He’s playing well. When I look at the form of the nines in the comp, he’s been playing really well.

“For us to have success in a World Cup, we need a lot of players playing really well and we need people challenging for positions. Having Micky and James Roby playing well keeps everyone on their toes and they know they have to perform.

“I’ve known Micky since he was a kid. He has a really good life in the South of France and a fantastic girlfriend, but he looks after himself.

“He’s a really good professional and that’s why he’s getting the performances he’s getting there.”