Coach Shaun Wane says England door remains open for retired hooker James Roby

England coach Shaun Wane has indicated he would welcome back James Roby with open arms if the record-breaking St Helens hooker decided to reverse his international retirement.

The 36-year-old Roby, who made his 455th Super League appearance for St Helens on Sunday, informed Wane last September that he no longer wished to be considered for selection.

But amid increasing speculation that Roby could be tempted to extend his playing career by another season, Wane has clearly not given up hope of tempting him back for the home World Cup later this year.

Asked if he had left the door open for Roby, Wane responded: “Absolutely – no question. I’ve not spoken to him and you can ask him that. He phoned me and told me he wanted to retire and I’ve too much respect for him (to argue).

“He’s an outstanding player and he’s still doing it now. I’ve all the respect for James Roby and if he changes his mind I’m sure he’ll let me know.”

Rising Saints star Jack Welsby is among a batch of new faces named in Wane’s 20-man England squad for next Saturday’s mid-season international against a Combined Nations All Stars side coached by Ellery Hanley.

“Jack is a proper rugby player, a natural player – you can pick him anywhere and he will play in that position and that’s a credit to both St Helens and his amateur club,” Wane added.

Catalans Dragons full-back Sam Tomkins will remain as captain but Saints duo Morgan Knowles and Mark Percival were withdrawn from the squad on Sunday due to injury.

In another blow, star Brisbane Broncos centre Herbie Farnworth suffered a potentially serious bicep injury against Canberra Raiders at the weekend that puts his World Cup participation at risk.

No players from the NRL were made available for this fixture,