James Graham makes “big statement” about James Roby

James Graham has played with some of the best players on both sides of the planet but for him one of the best is of course St Helens skipper and legend James Roby.

The six time Super League Champion is over in Australia hoping to captain the Saints to World Club Challenge glory for the first time since 2007.

Down under, Roby has been given plenty of praise as you would expect.

Graham has been at the heart of it with the former St Helens, Canterbury Bulldogs and St George Illawarra Dragons prop making what he called a “big statement” about the hooker.

“I have played with some players who have had amazing seasons but consistently he is the best player I have ever played with,” Graham said to NRL.com.

“To do it all for one team, I think adds to it even more. He would have had his head turned to come over here but for different reasons he decided not to, and I think he should be commended for that.

“I’m not sure how many Australian fans would be aware that before James Roby was Keiron Cunningham, and he was that good that at the new St Helens ground, which was opened in 2012, they built a statue of him.

“There were a lot of question marks from fans about whether James could fill Keiron’s boots, but if that statue gets built today there is a statue of James Roby. It’s a big statement to say but James has gone past Keiron for me.”