SAINTS paid tribute to club captain James Roby at a special ceremony in the Boardroom at the Totally Wicked Stadium before the Captain’s Run ahead of taking the field for the 500th time against Leeds Rhinos at Headingley.

The former Blackbrook junior becomes the club’s first player in the Super League era to reach this feat, with three other past players – Kel Coslett, Billy Benyon and Eric Chisnall - also achieving this special milestone and in attendance.

The occasion was marked by the presentation of a special framed ‘500’ jersey to the capatain from the current incumbents, plus glowing tributes from Chairman Eamonn McManus and Chief Executive Mike Rush, with a full squad of players in attendance.

The chairman also presented James with an engraved watch and the occasion was made complete with the Roby family present in the Boardroom.

 

It was a best-kept secret for the famous Number 9 and he showed his appreciation with an emotional speech saying how much the club meant to him and how he had enjoyed his time as a Saint.

It was a memorable time for Messres Coslett, Benyon and Chisnall too, as they reminisced about old times and the way in which the game has changed over the years.

But they were in total agreement that James Roby’s career has been something special in the modern era.

Like Roby, all captained the club and had Testimonials, played international rugby league and won virtually every honour in the game.

“We never thought about anything else but playing for the club and longevity never really came into it,” remembers Eric Chisnall.

“But for someone like James to complete 500 games is exceptional. He’s someone everyone looks up to and he leads by example. A really genuine fellow to have around the club.”

The applause as the popular skipper received his momentos was a reflection of just how highly regarded he is by the club, its players and supporters – a fitting tribute to a true legend of the Red Vee.

The three originals all played when the game was changing from unlimited possession to four and then six tackles.

Benyon was fulsome in his praise of Roby’s achievements, although was quick to point out some differences pre-Super League: “We had our rugby and our normal job to contend with,” he recalls.

“Plus if you didn’t play, you didn’t get paid and also, you didn’t get ‘subbed’ unless you got hurt!”

Club President Kel Coslett came from a rugby union background. “It was a big step and there was no turning back,” he says.

“I was lucky to start in the first team and had time to learn the game properly.

"The club and the players all helped me tremendously and it’s the same today for anyone coming through, especially when you have a player like James Roby at the helm.

"He really has been such an influence at the club, especially over these past few years as captain.”

Will there be a fifth member of the 500 Club?

“I don’t think it will happen,” according to Eric Chisnall.

“But you never know. To think that the club has been so lucky to have Keiron and James during their Super League existence is amazing.

"Mind you, when I started it was just after the famous four cups season and there were good ‘number 9s’ then, like Bill Sayer, Bob Dagnall and Tony Karalius, but they had to win the ball in the scrums – an indication of the way the game’s changed.

"James was able to utilise his skills as a half-back in the modern role of the hooker.

"You could see as he was coming through how good a player he was going to be.”