St Helens boss Kristian Woolf believes rugby league needs to be “sensible” to make sure James Roby’s remarkable exploits AREN’T repeated.
The iconic Saints captain edges ever closer to Leeds legend Kevin Sinfield’s all-time Super League record of 454 games when the champions visit Warrington on Thursday. Hooker Roby will go past ex-Castleford, Bradford and Hull prop Andy Lynch’s total of 452 so there’s only one man left in his sights. The former England star, who turns 37 in November, is expected to retire at the end of the campaign.
His consistently stunning form suggests, though, he could go on even longer for his beloved Saints. Woolf won’t argue with that. But the coach doesn’t believe anyone will - or should even be allowed to - break the Super League record again once the ex-Man of Steel has hopefully done so.
As the leaders continue their bid for a fourth straight Super League title, Woolf said: “I just can’t sing Robes’ praises enough. I don’t think it will be broken (later). The modern game has changed a little. But if we’re sensible we probably shouldn't see it (happen) again and we do play too many games here. It is something we need to look at.
“There needs to be more streamlining and a little more thought into how we look after the players from that point of view. And if we do that and do that sensibly we shouldn’t see 500 plus games again. But that certainly doesn’t take away from the effort and achievement of Robes. He’s outstanding. He’s the best leader and captain I've ever had the privilege of dealing with.”
It’ll also be Roby’s 550th career appearance as Saints look to heap more misery on misfiring rivals Warrington. He retired from international rugby league last year after 31 caps for England and another seven with Great Britain. But Roby remains the best hooker in Super League prompting talk of him potentially having one last international hurrah.
Woolf said: “He hasn’t indicated to me his mind’s changed. If it did, I’d have no dramas supporting him there. But that’s completely up to him. It’s the same in terms of what he decides to do next year. He’s playing footy that says he deserves the right to make the decision when it suits him and to make the right decision that suits him.
“I've no doubt whatsoever looking at how he’s playing he can go on and have a real influence this year and, most likely crack on and do it again next. But he’s got to want to do that. It has to fit in with what he’s got planned for the rest of his life as well and at some stage he’ll have to make the decision that footy is no longer for him. And at some stage the club is going to have to move on from James Roby as well . But while he’s still playing it's important we enjoy his presence."
Meanwhile, Wolves boss Daryl Powell has revealed ex-England winger Josh Charnley, 30, won’t be offered a new deal for next season.
