Simmons hails Roby energy

St Helens coach Royce Simmons praised James Roby’s dynamism after their 34-16 win against Hull KR on Friday.

The England international was not among Saints’ six try-scorers at the Stobart Stadium but it was his attacking spark that inspired the home side.

Roby, 25, is clearly revelling in his newfound status of being first-choice hooker following the retirement of Keiron Cunningham last year.

Simmons said: “You have only got to look at what Robes is achieving and how far he is carrying the ball every game, and his workload.

“He has played 80 minutes every game until today, and he only came off then as a reward because there is a heavy workload coming up with the Easter period.

“I knew he was a good footballer, but I didn’t realise how much energy he carries.

“He is that fit, he is just like a clock. You turn him on and he just keeps going round and round.

“He certainly brings some energy and is a pleasure to coach.”

Impressive

On a good night for the Saints forwards, James Graham marked his 200th appearance with a try, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook touched down twice and Sia Soliola also got on the scoresheet.

Saints’ other tries came from Paul Wellens and Jamie Foster, who also kicked five goals.

Simmons added: “We did some good things. I thought our forwards were very impressive tonight.

“In the last couple of weeks I have thought the halves have been coming along good and the backs did some good things. But tonight I thought the forwards were very good.”

Influential prop Graham might have reached a landmark on Friday but Simmons admitted the future of the co-captain has not yet been resolved.

The Liverpudlian is out of contract at the end of the season and has been linked with a move to Australia.

Simmons added: “James is just weighing things up and will make his decision in his own time.

“He is playing with great heart, training well and captaining the side well.

“He knows I want him to stay, all the players want him to stay and all the fans want him to stay.”

Not pleasing

Meanwhile, injury-hit Hull KR were left to ponder their sixth defeat in seven games.

Kris Welham scored twice for the Robins and Jake Webster got another but they came as mere consolation.

Coach Justin Morgan said: “Defensively we gave up some tries on our goalline and that was not pleasing.

“It is the story of the season so far, we are good in periods but not in others.

“Unfortunately the not-so-good periods are costing us lots of points at the moment. I still believe we are not too far away.

“That is not to make excuses, or is it any consolation for losing, but there was some decent character shown by the team.”