England hooker James Roby has committed himself to St Helens for the next five years.
The 28-year-old England star signed a new deal at the Merseyside club that could see him end his career where he started it.
“I will turn 33 by the end of this contract,” Roby told League Express.
“I am sorted now until then, and the new contract gives me security. I am tied up for five years.”
Roby has made 275 appearances for the Saints since joining in 2004, and has scored 73 tries. He said the decision to stick with the club had a lot to do with his family.
“It’s the same for all players, you have to do what’s right for your family,” he said.
“I have a boy and a girl, and the good thing about the hours we work is that even after a long day we can get home in time to pick the kids up from school, which is something that many fathers in more conventional jobs are unable to do.”
Roby is currently recovering from his World Cup exertions, and he admits that the semi-final defeat against New Zealand was hard to take.
“We were all gutted; we thought we had done enough to win it, and the way they snatched it was heartbreaking,” said Roby.
“At top level sport you can’t switch off for a second, and the smallest margins can determine the outcome of a game.
“But on the whole, since that game everyone I’ve spoken to has been positive.”
2014 is Roby’s testimonial year and the club has already announced a mouthwatering clash with rivals Wigan on January 31 at Langtree Park.
“The testimonial is going well, I’ve had a few events, the big one is the game against Wigan, it finishes at the end of July,” he added.
Admission for the game will be just £10 for adults and £5 for children.
