WHISPER it quietly, but after five seasons of being an 80-minute hooker James Roby has finally accepted that the occasional break could benefit both him and the team and may even prolong his time at the top.

The former Blackbrook junior, who turned 30 in the off season, has been Saints’ Mr Perpetual Motion since Keiron Cunningham hung up his boots in 2010.

Although various coaches have had designs on giving the England number nine a breather, Roby has invariably resisted attempts to cut his minutes on the park.

With eye-catching statistics on both sides of the ball; with tackle counts regularly breaching the 60 mark and his attacking play remaining threatening there has never been any reason for those running the bench to produce the shepherd’s crook.

But with no shortage of players who could jump in at nine, there is now a strong feeling that spelling Roby may be mutually beneficial to Roby and the team as a whole.

Roby said: “I have said I enjoy playing the full 80. If people were to come on and ask if I wanted to come off then I would always say no.

“I like being involved, but I have to think now that in rugby terms I am getting on and I have played a lot of games in the sport.

“The wear and tear on my body means it is probably common sense if there is options here and there to give me a break, then it makes sense.

“We never know, not only could it help me performance wise, but it could put another year on my career. As much as I don’t like coming off, I know that could be for the better.”

Although Duggie Charnock has been groomed as a nine, Saints trialled back rower Morgan Knowles in the hooking role against Widnes and of course new recruit Theo Fages, admittedly a half back, could add zip from the bench if need be.

“There are a number of lads snapping at my heels and that is good for us as a squad. We have definitely improved the squad.

“The competition for places drives people on – and there is a daily competition battle that goes on that a lot of people don’t see. That will bring out the best of people,” he added.

Roby has been a first team regular since making his senior debut in March 2004 and has plenty of rugby miles under his belt.

His indestructability used to be a subject coaches used to joke about, with former boss Daniel Anderson quipping: “Robes is made of rubber, the rest of us are made of marble.”

And Roby did enjoy a remarkable record with injuries until foot injuries struck him out for half of the 2013 season.

Apart from that one, injuries are not something that have stopped Roby – and even a horrendous double dislocation of the finger could not sideline him for long last term.

Roby had a strong 2015, recognised by regaining his place in the fictitious Dream Team and returning to the England squad.

It was a year in which Saints fell just short – with Leeds knocking them out of the semi-finals of the Challenge Cup and Super League.

“Losing to Leeds twice in those big games was disappointing - we wanted to win silverware.

“In the play-off game we came so, so close to returning to Old Trafford and at the end of it we were disappointed.

“But then on reflection we were only a 40/20 and try off winning that game; a few ifs and buts. Although we were disheartened we were re-assured that we were not far off.

“I have been lucky enough to be at Saints for my whole career and have always been there or thereabouts.

“I am always confident in the ability of the squad that we can do it. Hopefully those semi defeats can spur us on because silverware is expected of us at St Helens and rightly so.

“2014 was fantastic for everyone – to play in one was tremendous for the young lads’ experience and confidence going forward.

“Even last year again, playing in the big games like semis, will definitely help our young lads to cope with the pressure. The more big games we are in the better,” he said.

So how refreshed is Roby after a gruelling season, topped off with a test series against the Kiwis?

The answer is sufficient to be relishing the arrival of Huddersfield Giants on Friday night and a feeling of just wanting to get on with what will be his 13th season in the first team.

“I had a month off after playing with England and that gave me time to go away with my family and just switch off from rugby.

“But I like training, and even after a few days off I started doing my own little bits.

“It is nice not to have the physicality of a game and being fresh and injury free.

“To be honest, once you get back with the team you are itching to play.

“The games seemed far away in December but then all of a sudden they are here.

“I would rather get in at the deep end now.

“We know Huddersfield always give us a tough game. They were top four with us last year and our matches were close.

“We want to set our stall out for round one.

“Hopefully that will bring out the best in us and, maybe as importantly given the weather, that we can play the conditions,” Roby said.