England hooker James Roby has signed a new five-year contract with St Helens, the Super League club have announced.
The deal means the 28-year-old could see out the remainder of his career with Saints and it ends any lingering possibility of a move to Australia.Roby, the 2007 Man of Steel, rejected an offer from NRL club Parramatta to stay with his hometown club two years ago.
Roby, who had just a year left on his previous deal, said: “It’s great to commit to a long-term deal with St Helens. “I signed with them immediately after school and am now entering my testimonial season. “It is more than fulfilling to spend my entire career with such a great club.”
Roby has made 280 appearances for Saints, scoring 73 tries, since making his debut in 2004. The club are pleased Roby has resisted the temptation to follow the likes of fellow Englishmen James Graham, Sam Burgess and Sam Tomkins and try his hand Down Under. Chairman Eamonn McManus said: “This is a huge and timely boost both for the club and, just as importantly, for Super League.
“Understandably, as one of the best hookers in the world, James attracted considerable interest from the NRL but ultimately showed continued loyalty to St Helens and to the English game. “He has been St Helens’ stand-out performer for the last decade and is one of English rugby league’s national treasures.
“It’s more than gratifying to know that he has committed long term to us and that we can continue to build the next generation of Saints players around him.”