“I’ve got to enjoy it while it lasts” – James Roby hungry for Challenge Cup success

James Roby is hungry to end St Helens’ 13-year hoodoo in the Challenge Cup – but he isn’t getting distracted by thoughts of Wembley as they prepare to face Hull in the semi-finals.

Only Wigan and Leeds have enjoyed more Cup final wins than Saints but the last of their 12 triumphs was 13 years ago and Roby, now 35, is the only survivor from their 28-16 victory over Hull in 2008.

Roby said: “I don’t know how many more chances I will get to play in a semi-final or even a final. I’ve got to enjoy it while it lasts.

“It’s been a long time, 2008, especially for a club like St Helens who are associated with success.

“We’re aware of that, it’s at the back of our minds, but our main job is to concentrate on the job at hand. We’ve got to get this one out of the way before we can start thinking about Wembley.”

Roby insists his side’s emphatic 34-16 win over Hull in Super League just a week ago will have little bearing on the outcome of Saturday’s cup tie.

He added: “Obviously last week was a great result for us but it’s a different competition. It’s hard to take too much out of it.”

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