Paul Wellens reveals how he honoured James Roby following incredible achievement

James Roby made history at the weekend and it’s a record that will potentially outlast us all and may never be broken.

Saturday represented the 532nd time he pulled on a St Helens’ jersey and took to the field, surpassing the record set by legend Kel Coslett.

Another man who also had a brilliant St Helens career was Roby’s boss Paul Wellens, and the first-year head coach has revealed how he and Roby honoured his achievement.

“I actually went out for dinner with him on Saturday night, him and his wife and he was very much telling me that this is definitely his last year, so I accept that,” Wellens told BBC’s Super League show.

“James has got the opportunity to call time on his career and he’s comfortable that this is his last year and we’ve got to do everything we can to make it a successful one.”

Roby had earlier told the show that he too was aiming for success in his ‘Last Dance’ and explained how kicking off the year down under set his final season off right.

“When you’re part of a winning team and a winning culture, it’s very hard to take a step back and I wanted to be a part of that for one more year. Obviously getting the chance to go to Australia and winning over in Penrith was obviously great validation for choosing to go again, but moments like this as well.

“I’m not going to lie, I was aware that this record was 10 or 12 games away at the start of the season and I thought ‘fingers-crossed hopefully I stay pretty fit and I’ll get it and obviously I have.

“There’s a few reasons, but at the end of the day I’m still enjoying my rugby, I’m still enjoying being around, waking up every morning being a Rugby League player, and obviously it is getting harder and I do 100% know that this year is 100% my last year.”