SAINTS skipper James Roby has welcomed the decision to give England boss Wayne Bennett a new two-year contract.

Bennett, who guided the national team to the World Cup final in the autumn, will remain at the helm for the three match test series with the Kiwis later this year and the 2019 Lions tour.

Roby, who was among a handful of Saints on England World Cup duty, hopes to continue being involved on the international stage.

Roby said: "I am happy with the decision on Wayne.

"Last year was the first chance I had chance to work with him and prior to that I had only heard stuff off Jonny Lomax about what it was like working under him.

"I really enjoyed working for him and believe he is a really good match for the team."

"I would love to be involved with England again at the end of the year."

England pushed Australia close in what was their first World Cup final appearance in 22 years.

And Roby believes that can be built on with the veteran Australian coach at the helm.

"It means we have stability, because he has already been there a couple of years, and everyone knows as players what to expect.

"Likewise Wayne knows what to demand from the team," he said.

Bennett has developed a reputation for being grumpy with the media, making it hard work for the BBC interviewers trying to winkle out a soundbite for the watching millions.

But Roby explained the man deal with is completely different.

"It is fair to say Wayne is lot more open to the players as he is with the media.

"I was not aware of that side (the media) until the World Cup when I witnessed some of the shortest interviews ever, but that is him as a person and character.

"There are a lot of things about him that I like. He has very strong morals and explains things very well and gets his point across.

"He makes it simple.

"There is also a fun character behind the angry persona," he said.