‘Freak’ James Roby praised following milestone Super League match

Josh McAllister 12 Jun 2022 6:46 PM

Opposing head coaches in Kristian Woolf and Tony Smith were full of praise for record-breaker James Roby following their clash at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

Roby, 36, made his 455th Super League appearance, surpassing Kevin Sinfield’s previous all-time record of 454.

He celebrated his milestone with a try, as his St Helens side defeated Hull KR 26-18 to restore their four-point lead at the top of the Super League table.

Speaking after the victory, St Helens head coach Woolf said: “He was great, wasn’t he? James played 80 minutes like he always does as a 9/10 with everything he did.

“He nailed his pass every time and got his defence right every time. He came up with a try-saving tackle. That’s what he does so well and that’s why he deserves all the accolades that he gets.

“He’s played 509 games I think it is, 455 Super League games and every one of them has looked very similar. That’s why he deserves so much credit and we’re so proud to have him in our team.”

Tony Smith full of praise for James Roby

Opponent head coach Smith was also full of compliments for opposition captain in Roby. The Robins dropped to seventh in the Super League table following Castleford’s win over Toulouse.

“He’s a champion,” Smith said. “He’s a pleasure to watch. I’ve just told him, I’ve always loved watching him. I had a brief time with him at England and he was a pleasure to coach.

“He’s a freak of rugby league. He looks like he can keep going for a whole lot longer yet; I’m not trying to lengthen his time that he’s going to play. But he’s been a champion.

“He’s a trojan. He’s fit as a fiddle, a war horse and he does all the little things. Stuff that people who watch rugby league for years, you notice and admire. It’s those little things that he does so well and he’s a true competitor.

“He’s a champion person and a great personality. It’ll take some beating this record. It won’t be easy to beat again, ever, I don’t think.”