JAMES Roby admits that the potential for breaking the Saints appearances record majorly swayed his decision to play on this season – and it is looking increasingly likely that Daryl Clark will be his replacement in 2024.

That significant milestone in Roby and Saints’ history arrives this Saturday if – as expected – the inspirational skipper is selected against Salford Red Devils at the Totally Wicked Stadium.

The 37-year-old hooker equalled the record, set by former captain Kel Coslett in 1976, when he pulled on the Red V for the 531st time in last Friday’s defeat to Catalans Dragons in France.

Roby did a U-turn on hanging up his boots at the end of 2022 and believes that when he reflects on his illustrious career in later years, he will be forever justly satisfied that he made the right call.

“As a player when you first start playing, you’re not really looking that far ahead – definitely not 20 years down the line,” said Roby, who made his Saints debut off the bench in a 38-20 home win against Widnes Vikings on March 19, 2004.

“But it has been something that has seen on the horizon, potentially. If all was to go well it was maybe a figure I could get to in terms of appearances.

“I don’t put a massive emphasis on it – it’s just something that kind of happens as a result of doing your job, but I do understand how special it is and how privileged and lucky I am to now be tied with someone like Kel for first.

“I’m obviously very proud of the achievement, but yeah, it’s probably something that I will reflect on more once I’m not actually playing and it will really sink in.

“There were a few reasons, for going around again – the World Club Challenge was one but the appearances record was also a huge motivating factor because I thought I’ve come this far, I’ve done this long and got so close, I might as well try and go for it.

“Plus I wanted to be a part of this great team for one more year. And obviously if I hadn’t have gone again, I wouldn’t have experienced Australia and winning over there in the manner that we did.

“So there’s quite a few benefits already to this season, but it doesn’t really mean much unless we go on and perform consistently and pick up some silverware along the way.”

Roby is a six-times winner of Super League with Saints, who will be looking to return to winning ways against Salford to stay in touch with the top six for a shot at the end of the season at sending Roby out on a high with a fifth successive Grand Final victory.

Warrington and England No9 Clark is tipped as the man to step into Roby’s shoes next year, though Saints are remaining tight lipped.

Clark, 30, is in his ninth season with The Wire, with whom he won the Lance Todd Trophy in the Challenge Cup Final success against Saints at Wembley in 2019.

He was also crowned Man of Steel in his fourth and final year at his hometown club Castleford Tigers in 2014.