SAINTS' young hooker Aaron Smith scored on his debut for Featherstone at the weekend, and the 21-year-old is progressing well after a spell at Hull KR and with League 1 side York.

Smith has yet to feature in Saints' first team - with the role of deputising and spelling skipper James Roby falling to Theo Fages and Matty Smith.

Having been blessed at nine for such a long time, with Roby slotting seamlessly into the key role when Keiron Cunningham hung up his boots having worked in tandem for six years, there is a genuine interest in what plans are in place for the succession.

But coach Justin Holbrook expects on-song Roby to be around for a few more years yet, saying the Steve Prescott Man of Steel contender is showing no signs of tapering off.

When asked about the young nines waiting in the wings, Holbrook replied: “Aaron Smith and young Josh Eaves are both great young hookers and it has been great for Aaron’s development to get Super League experience at Hull KR.

“But Robes will be here for a few more years yet. He is such a fit guy; he is quick, strong and such a level character in the way he plays the game.

“His worst game is an 8.5/10. He is just so consistent. There are no signs in the way he plays - and how he is on or off the field, that he is going to finish any time soon.

“He is playing fantastic and I can’t see that changing."