WHAT a day it was on Sunday. Aside from the win against Hull KR, it was a record breaking day for our skipper James Roby, who surpassed Kevin Sinfield’s Betfred Super League appearance record of 454 games.
I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s hoping he has a double change of mind - and delays both domestic and international retirement!
Ok, Robes is 36, but undoubtedly still the best number nine in the British game, and an England team with his ability and experience in it puts forward a stronger case of winning the home Rugby League World Cup this Autumn.
As well as that dilemma, the big domestic question is whether he will chase down the magic 500 Super League appearances and go around again for Saints in 2023.
There is no doubt the decision will be in his hands as his form is as consistently brilliant as it’s always been and physically he looks fresh enough to carry on doing his thing.
I had the great pleasure of presenting James his record-breaking jersey in the changing rooms pre-game, and a few words about what makes this guy so special.
Appearance numbers are great, but don’t tell a true tale. Those who have followed Robes’ career will recognise the superhuman efforts in achieving this record breaking feat.
Certainly in the last ten years since making the Saints hooking role his own, he will have made more tackles, and touched the ball more times than any player in pretty much all games.
I’ve never seen him have a bad game…yes some games have stood out more than others, but the standard he sets week in week out is relentless. But, his biggest trait is his humility.
He’s not one to blow his own trumpet, or even put himself out there, and his leadership skills are a case of “ follow my lead”.
James sets the standard on and off the field, training or game day - and this is something that has been infectious with others at the club and ultimately driven the numerous successes.
On his big day on Sunday, unsurprisingly he again led from the front and naturally enough scored a try in the 26-18 win.
Another player who has been equally consistent over a number of years is Tommy Makinson. He was highlighted for recognition from gaffer Kristian Woolf after another top performance, scoring a try and three goals.
Makinson, currently the top try scorer in Betfred Super League, will be a key figure come the end of the year as England aim to win a home World Cup, and will this weekend have their first run out in preparation against the Combined All Stars at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
It’s a stand-alone International weekend fixture as all the Betfred Super League teams have a week off.
As predicted at this stage of the season, there will be a number of ‘certs’ missing for England this weekend, including Saints trio Morgan Knowles, Jonny Lomax and Mark Percival, but for those that do play it will be a good opportunity to try and impress Coach Shaun Wane and claim a spot in the World Cup squad in October.
I think it will be a close game, but England to take the win by ten points or more with the in-form Makinson to cross the line for the first try is a 16/1 double at Betfred.
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