James Roby: ‘Heartbreaking’ ending ends career of St Helens rugby league great

James Roby’s brilliant career came to an end in St Helens’ Super League semi-final defeat to the Catalans.

It was probably expected that one of the retired players would have a say in Friday’s Betfred Super League semi-final between the Catalans Dragons and St Helens. Unfortunately for James Roby, it wouldn’t be him.

After 20 seasons, 551 club appearances, 38 international caps, six grand final rings, four Challenge Cup winners’ medals, two Harry Sunderland trophies and a Man of Steel award, the 37-year-old’s glittering career has finally ended. .

But there was to be no fairy tale ending. Instead, it was another retired star – not to mention former player for the Saints’ arch-rivals Wigan Warriors – Sam Tomkins who caught the eye in Perpignan with a last-minute solo try for send the Catalans to Old Trafford on Saturday October 14.

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Heartbroken James Roby gives his final post-match interview following St Helens’ defeat to the Catalans Dragons which saw him retire from Rugby League.

The 12-6 defeat ended St Helens’ bid for a fifth consecutive Grand Final victory and denied Roby, along with another retired teammate, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, one last chance at glory . Yet while it was heartbreaking for the hooker to bow out in this way, he still found time to reflect on what it meant for the French side to reach the Super League showpiece.

“It’s heartbreaking,” said Roby Aerial sports. “It’s a horrible way to leave the game, but I’m so proud of everything we did.

“I will be forever grateful to everyone who has played a role in my journey, no matter how big or small, but now I am on pastures new.

“I’ve got a very supportive family around me, and I’ll get back to it. It’s so demoralizing, but I guess it’s good for rugby league.”

Retired rivals Sam Tomkins and James Roby embrace before the Catalans’ semi-final against St Helens

Roby had started his final season as a St Helens player by helping them defeat NRL champions Penrith Panthers in Australia in February to win the World Club Challenge, 16 years after being part of the team that beat the Brisbane Broncos to win this title.

Aerial sports Rugby league expert and former Great Britain international Phil Clarke believes longevity is part of what makes him one of the greatest players to hail from these shores, but also part of how he embodies the values ​​of the game .

“Out of all these greats, he’s a great,” Clarke said. Aerial sports.

“But more impressively, to me, he expressed the values ​​of this sport that are so important to a tough but fair game.

It’s a horrible way to leave the game, but I’m so proud of everything we’ve done.

James Roby

“We have to try and shout it as loud as possible and make sure the game at all levels is played with the spirit and attitude that James Roby advocated.”

Roby has yet to publicly announce what the next step in his life will be after hanging up his boots, having spent his entire professional career representing his hometown club.

Jamie Jones-Buchanan, another player at a club who also won everything there was to win during a 20-year career with Leeds Rhinos, is in no doubt how much his influence at the Saints will miss.

“He’s a family man, he’s a great role model and he spent two decades there in St Helens – and boy, do they need him for another two decades in St Helens in some capacity” , Jones-Buchanan said. Aerial sports.

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Highlights as Catalans Dragons beat St Helens in their Betfred Super League play-off semi-final at the Stade Gilbert Brutus

“If you become the average of the five people you spend the most time with, you need to make sure James Roby is someone you spend time with.”

After almost two decades playing top-level rugby league, Roby admitted the physical demands of the sport are something he won’t miss.

But daily interaction with a group of professionals who strive to be the best they can be while still being able to enjoy the lighter side of life will prove difficult to replace.

“It’s probably just the camaraderie and being part of a team and being around a group of like-minded guys who laugh a little, but work hard first and foremost,” Roby said. Aerial sports.

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St Helens head coach Paul Wellens felt it was a “cruel way” to lose to the Catalans Dragons, ending their championship reign.

“Every day we laugh, we joke, and I think it’s just the stupid stuff that I’m going to miss. I don’t think I’m going to miss playing this game, I’m getting older now, the contact is getting stronger and in anymore and I feel very fragile, so the body will rest well now.

“But I will miss being part of a team and St Helens. I’m really proud to represent this club and that will stay with me for a very long time.”

Watch all three Betfred Super League grand finals – men’s, women’s and wheelchair – live Aerial sports in October. Also stream NOW for £21 per month for six months.

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