One of the greatest St Helens players in Super League history is back at the club, after returning to help interim boss Eamon O’Carroll guide the side through to the end of the season.
James Roby is the Saints’ most-capped Super League player, having played just short of 500 top-flight games in his career that spanned 20 seasons.
He retired from the game in 2023, but remained at the Red Vee for two seasons, helping out in the academy to provide guidance to players and a helping hand to coaches.
At the end of last season, the legendary hooker left the Brewdog Stadium, but less than a year later, he is already back involved at the club.
That is because O’Carroll, who has taken charge of three games since the exit of Paul Rowley, put out an emergency SOS call to the 40-year-old, asking if he would come back to help out.
He revealed to the press after the side’s defeat to Hull FC: “When I knew I was going to be stepping into this role, he was one of the first people that I picked up the phone [to].
“I’ve known him now for 18 months, and I really enjoyed working with him last year. I think we’re quite similar in terms of our personalities and what we value, and I think there’s certainly no negative to bringing someone of the calibre of James Roby back into the environment to give everyone a lift.
“I just asked ‘Robes’ to come in and almost shadow me and give me some feedback in terms of my delivery and my messages landing – have I done the right thing there in how I spoke to the group?
“I trust ‘Robes’, and what a great man he is. He’s also tell you the truth and be honest, because ultimately he cares about this club and the right thing for them. He’s been a great addition.”
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