St Helens boss explains why James Roby should be last to break Super League record

St Helens boss Kristian Woolf believes rugby league needs to be “sensible” to make sure James Roby’s remarkable exploits AREN’T repeated.

The iconic Saints captain edges ever closer to Leeds legend Kevin Sinfield’s all-time Super League record of 454 games when the champions visit Warrington on Thursday. Hooker Roby will go past ex-Castleford, Bradford and Hull prop Andy Lynch’s total of 452 so there’s only one man left in his sights. The former England star, who turns 37 in November, is expected to retire at the end of the campaign.

His consistently stunning form suggests, though, he could go on even longer for his beloved Saints. Woolf won’t argue with that. But the coach doesn’t believe anyone will - or should even be allowed to - break the Super League record again once the ex-Man of Steel has hopefully done so.

As the leaders continue their bid for a fourth straight Super League title, Woolf said: “I just can’t sing Robes’ praises enough. I don’t think it will be broken (later). The modern game has changed a little. But if we’re sensible we probably shouldn't see it (happen) again and we do play too many games here. It is something we need to look at.

“There needs to be more streamlining and a little more thought into how we look after the players from that point of view. And if we do that and do that sensibly we shouldn’t see 500 plus games again. But that certainly doesn’t take away from the effort and achievement of Robes. He’s outstanding. He’s the best leader and captain I've ever had the privilege of dealing with.”

It’ll also be Roby’s 550th career appearance as Saints look to heap more misery on misfiring rivals Warrington. He retired from international rugby league last year after 31 caps for England and