One of Super League’s greatest of all time in St Helens legend James Roby wasn’t supposed to be playing in 2023.
But the Saints skipper decided to go around again in 2023 as Saints chase a record fifth Super League title in a row.
Before that, Roby will have the chance to lead the Saints in a World Club Challenge down under against Penrith Panthers and for Roby it helps vindicate his decision to postpone his retirement:
“It’s not been able to go ahead for the last few years, so it is a great reward for us and a great opportunity and a really good challenge for us one that most people don’t get unless on international duty.
“They are a great team and have won two in a row but we have won four in a row so we are confident in our own ability.
“It is another challenge and a great opportunity for me as a player, not many teams get to go down under and challenge the best down under. It is great for me before I hang up the boots, it is great for the town to go out there and really get the name of the town as a brand.”
Roby also said he is not regretting his decision despite the weather:
“Pre-season the weather is not the best at times, sometimes the weather depresses you a bit. But I am really enjoying it. It’s a new challenge working with Paul and we’re all enjoying it.”
