When James Roby takes to the field tomorrow he will be making his 400th appearance in the red vee.
It comes at what is a landmark time for the hooker as he was recently named captain of the club too.
“When I was asked to be captain I was over the moon and said yes straightaway,” he said. “I have been here all my career and grew up watching the team. I am a St Helens lad and I will be in my 15th year too. I am really proud to call myself the captain of St Helens. I am privileged and honoured to do so and I am looking forward to the challenges that lie ahead.
“I don’t look at is as a pressure. If anything I know there will be a few more responsibilities but the key is not to let it effect my game on the field. I am a laid back character by nature but the icing on the cake would be to win some trophies as captain.
“I am already a vocal player – you have to be in this position. I am not shy of talking to the lads and I have been here a long time to know what is expected and the standards in house. I have been a young lad too so I will be able to pass on my experience.
“We know over the last 10 years we haven’t won enough and as players we are doing everything we can to do our jobs and win games.”
The talk of milestones will disappear when Saints kick off the 2018 Betfred Super League season against Castleford on Friday – and Roby knows it is important to get off to a good start.
“The last time we played Cas was in that semi-final and we all know what happened in that game,” he added. “They are a fantastic team, the form team of last season and the best attacking side too. I’m sure they will have talked about that and the need to back it up.
“We are aware they are a quality team and we will need a quality performance to beat them. It is a great game to start off with in front of a big crowd.”
Tickets for Friday’s Betfred Super League home opener against Castleford at the Totally Wicked Stadium (7:45pm) are now on sale from the Ticket Office, by calling 01744 455 052 or online here.
