James Roby signs new four-year St Helens deal ending Australia rumours

[josie andrews]

James Roby has ended speculation that he may lead an exodus of leading British players to Australia by signing a new four-year contract with St Helens.

The 25-year-old hooker, who was one of the few England players to enhance his reputation during the recent Four Nations series, will inherit the Saints No9 shirt this season following the retirement of Keiron Cunningham.

Roby said that staying with his hometown club was "a big but ultimately easy decision".

Saints are expected to lose James Graham, England's Four Nations captain, when his contract expires at the end of the season, with up to six Australian clubs thought to be interested.


http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2010/no ... lens-deal?

[cpwigan]

Silly boy.

[Mikey800]

Why? :eh:

The lad's a talent, probably could of chosen from any of about 8 clubs who would have wanted him down under. I think he'd have done alright down there as well.

[cpwigan]

Obviously has no desire to improve beyond his current standing as a player. I think that has been a problem throughout his career. He has the talent / ability but playedv second fiddle to KC for far too long and now seemingly afraid to venture from St Helens. Maybe he is a home boy. Either way, he is not going to improve.

[ancientnloyal]

Or there will be a transfer fee involved next year perhaps?

[cook123]

You can't really say that tho as there maybe personal reasons for him staying ie starting a family etc... i also dont think he would suit the aussie game either, as at saints he looks good as he plays on the back of fast play the balls and scoots. he couldn't do this so much in the nrl as defense is so much better he would have to break the opposition down with passing which tbh is not his strong point.

[cpwigan]

Not sure cook. The young Kiwi at the Rabbitohs is a scooter.

[cook123]

Yeah true but he can pass better than roby tho. Roby's distribution from dummy half is woeful at times for a hooker, i wasn't saying either that nobody scoots in the nrl as they do it just doesn't happen as often as over here cos of the defensive structures in the nrl are better and play the balls are slower.

[cpwigan]

Therein lies the issue with Roby Cook. He is talented but could be so much better yet he has sat back behind KC getting limited interchanges etc so his progress has slowed.

[Stormfan]

Never heard of him.