JAMES Roby has two certainties in his mind – this is definitely it and it will not be 550 and out.
St Helens’ legendary hooker is bringing the curtain down on a 20-season career that has brought him six Super League titles, four Challenge Cup and two World Club challenges.
To fans, he is Cristiano Ronaldo combined with Lionel Messi – with the longevity of James Milner and Ryan Giggs.
His spell at the top would make him a legend in any sport and there are calls for him to follow predecessor Kieron Cunningham by having a statue outside Saints’ stadium.
Not bad for a man not recognised as a player ahead of his debut.
“I had trouble getting on the car park,” Roby said of his debut on March 19, 2004 at Saints’ old Knowsley Road ground.
“To be fair, I’d only trained with the first team twice, I was just an academy player who was so excited to get one the field and even be in the changing rooms with the idols I went to watch on the terraces.
“I had trouble for a number of weeks. I had a really rubbish old Mini – I loved it but no-one else did – so they were probably looking at me thinking, ‘This guy’s calling our bluff here.’”
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Saturday’s play-off eliminator with Warrington – a club record-extending 550th appearance – will be his final home match. Lose and Saints’ four-year reign as champions is over with Roby’s career done.
Rugby league has changed on the field since Roby made his debut. So has how he approaches life – gone are the regular trips to the chip shop.
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And seeing players play other sports for longer – Ronaldo is 38, Messi 36, Milner also 37 – will become a more regular occurrence.
“Across sport, you’ve got the general evolution of sports science. There have also been developments around care, the mental side and head injuries,” Roby added.
“So there’s a lot more help to aid a player in terms of their longevity. I’m proud I’ve done 20 seasons in such a gruelling sport as rugby league – anyone who does more than 10 has done well.
“I’ve been very lucky and numerous sports people are doing it when they’re older than me or a similar age. It’s the way things are going.
“I was a naturally sporty lad, so I took it for granted I could eat what I wanted and I probably did get away with it for a long period.
“I wouldn’t think twice about, ‘I can’t be bothered cooking, so I’ll just go to the chippy or pick something up,’ but the older I’ve got, the better I’ve got.”
Roby has delayed retirement once already – now thoughts of what to do next are in his mind, both in and out of rugby league.
And being recognised in his hometown, much like Cunningham, would appeal as he told SunSport: “I’d be very humbled and honoured.
“Keiron is an absolute legend. He paved the way and I sat patiently behind him for a number of years.
“He was the man and rightly so, he is statue is outside the stadium. If I’m considered in the bracket, it would be very nice for future generations of my family.
“I’m looking down a few avenues at the minute about what I do next.
“Part of me holds rugby league in high regard and it’s where my knowledge and experience is but there’s an equal part of me who’d like a fresh change. Something will be sorted before Christmas.
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“I know I said I’d finish last year but this year has been a bit different. 100 per cent, I know this is my last season – I’m ready and content. It’s time to call it a day.
“And I’m not going around again, no chance.”
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