James Roby

He played in the 2019 Challenge Cup Final defeat by the Warrington Wolves at Wembley Stadium.

He played in the 2019 Super League Grand Final victory over the Salford Red Devils at Old Trafford.

On 23 January 2018 Roby was appointed captain for 2018 The 32-year-old takes over the role from back rower Jon Wilkin.

In October 2017 he was selected in the England squad for the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

St. Helens reached the 2014 Super League Grand Final, and Roby was selected to play at hooker, putting in a Man-of-the-Match performance to claim the Harry Sunderland Trophy in their 14–6 victory over the Wigan Warriors at Old Trafford.

After missing out on the 2014 Four Nations, Roby was selected in Englands 24-man squad to take on New Zealand in an end-of-year test-series. In a warm up game before the first test against the Kiwis, England took on France in a test match. Roby scored two of England's 15 tries in their romp over their opponents and went on to beat the Kiwis 2–1.

Despite being linked with moves to the NRL, Roby committed his long-term future to St Helens in 2013 by signing a 5-year contract with the club.

In 2013 Roby was named in England 2013 World Cup squad but lost in the semi-final in the dying seconds to New Zealand.

He played in the 2011 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.

Roby returned to international rugby league when he was selected to play for England against France in the one-off test. In 2011, Roby played in the 2011 Rugby League Four Nations, and was part of the team that lost the final to Australia.

He played in the 2009 Super League Grand Final defeat by the Leeds Rhinos at Old Trafford.

He played in the 2008's Super League XIII Grand Final defeat by Leeds.

Roby was selected for the Egland squad to compete in the 2008 World Cup in Australia. Group A's first match against Papua New Guinea he played at hooker, and was named the man-of-the-match in England's victory.

Roby holds the honour of scoring the first try at the new Wembley Stadium, scored during St Helens' victory over Catalans Dragons in the Challenge Cup Final on 25 August 2007. Roby also won the 'Man of Steel' award in October 2007 after being judged to have had the most impact on 2008's Super League XIII season, being the youngest player to ever win the award, and also becoming the third St Helens player in a row to win the accolade from 2005 to 2007, with Jamie Lyon (2005) and Paul Wellens (2006) winning the award previously.

He has played his entire professional career to date at St Helens, winning 2006's, 2014's and 2019's Super League Championships with them and the Challenge Cup in 2006, 2007 and 2008. Individually, he has been named to the Super League Dream Team on five occasions, won the 2014 Harry Sunderland Trophy, and was the 2007 Man of Steel.

Roby played for St Helens from the interchange bench in their 2006 Challenge Cup Final victory against Huddersfield. St Helens reached the 2006 Super League Grand final to be contested against Hull FC, and Roby played from the interchange bench in Saints' 26–4 victory.

As 2006 Super League champions, St Helens faced 2006 NRL Premiers the Brisbane Broncos in the 2007 World Club Challenge. Roby played at hooker in the Saints' 18–14 victory.

Roby made his international début for Great Britain the 2006 Tri Nations during the tour against Australia and New Zealand.

Roby made his début in 2004 against Widnes after progressing through the academy ranks at St Helens. Roby's position is usually as a hooker and has plenty of experience already, playing alongside some of the greats of the game including Keiron Cunningham. Roby has made a massive impact for St. Helens and has played over 50 games for them. In 2005's Super League X, he was narrowly beaten to the Young Player of The Year. St Helens see James as one of the brighter prospects and he seems a perfect replacement for Keiron Cunningham when he retires, so much so that St. Helens were willing to allow Mickey Higham to leave the club and Roby was given a more active role in the team.

Roby was born in Whiston, Merseyside, England, he went to Legh Vale Primary School, Haydock and later attended Cowley Language College from 1997 to 2002 then went on to study at the Sixth Form. Furthermore James went on to Liverpool John Moores University studying sports science but dropped out in his first year to concentrate on his rugby. He played for the North West Counties Under 18s.

James William Mark Roby (born 22 November 1985) is an English professional rugby league footballer who plays as a hooker for St Helens in the Super League, and for Great Britain and England at international level.