I chatted to him a couple of weeks ago for WA12 radio and he is in top shape now after his op and wants to do 80 mins. Aaron Smith is understudying him and will get some game time this year.
I chatted to him a couple of weeks ago for WA12 radio and he is in top shape now after his op and wants to do 80 mins. Aaron Smith is understudying him and will get some game time this year.
Learned comment from The Don
That's exactly the scenario we need mate. I've no problem with Roby passing on all his qualities of loyalty, grit and determination to the youngsters. He's close to surpassing the achievements of KC on the field, whilst being surrounded by a much less talented support crew. Roby's dedication has been a great example. Top player.
I'm made up with this, but it's no surprise, best in his class over here for a long time gone and he'll be there at the top until HE decides to quit.
James, I salute you, COYS.
Fact.
Robes isn’t human. He can eat 3 shredded wheat, put a fruit pastel in his mouth without chewing it AND understand Shaun Wane.
Nothing to worry about, he’ll probably sign a 5 year extension in 2020
Can't stop the spirits when they need you.
This life is more than just a read through.
Not many 33/34 year olds have the ability and/or fitness levels of James Roby though do they? Even if he slows down physically (solution - play fewer minutes, adapt role) he's unlikely to slow down between the ears which means he's likely to still have a lot to offer in another two years time.
This is the only slight reservation I would have- does anybody know if Roby will continue to take a marquee spot for the duration of the new deal? I think sentiment has to be secondary to the success of the team, especially when we are seeing a side like Warrington investing as they have done of late. If Roby does as you suggest, then there's no problem and more credit to the man. He's been a great servant to the club.
Brook has already commented about the new 2 year deal for Cameron Smith, who is older and has been playing 80 minutes more often than not even with the reduced number of interchanges in the NRL, over the past couple of years. Roby proved he was still one of the best players in the league last year and I don't see that changing for 2019 at least.
Regards,
STEVO
I'm looking forward to seeing Aaron Smith be Roby's understudy. He looked very promising against Catalans last year, before being taken off after a monstrous, disgusting late hit. He also looked sharp in Lomax's testimonial and I look forward to watching him get more game time this year!
No doubt he will perform again this season, two more seasons after? the last will have to be using James as it was done with Cunningham, then a statue? fell he has delivered much more all round as a hooker & player.
He's still the Master of his art, driving us forward, relentlessly, the great thing about watching him is that the opposition know what he's going to do! I don't think he needs a statue, he will be in the rule book, training books for years to come. Best I've seen for Saints, and that's saying something!
I geninely don't think you can say he's better than KC, he's at the same level. Very different players, but both equally inspirational and both contributed so much to the club. Ridiculous that we've had those two consecutively. Whoever replaces Robes will be a big comedown even if he's the best prospect in the country.
54 tackles last night immense effort