James Roby: A heartbreaking way to leave rugby league

The 37-year-old skipper Roby called time on 20 years-service for his hometown Saints and is joined in retirement by prop Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook – with the pair having to bow out in the south of France rather than the Theatre of Dreams at Old Trafford.

Instead it is matchwinner Sam Tomkins, also retiring this year, who gets to extend his career by one game and in the Grand Final.

Saints led a tight game 6-2, but Dragons levelled with a brace of Adam Keighran penalties to set up a tense last nine minutes.

They defended frantically with 12 men for that time, with Matty Lees in the sin bin, but having closed down Tomkins for the drop goal, the veteran full back poached a match-winning try instead.

Roby told Sky: “It’s heartbreaking and a horrible way to leave the game, but I am so proud of everything we have done – the boys, the team, the organisation, the town and everyone involved in rugby league.

“I am forever grateful to everyone who has played a part in my journey however big or small – and now it is on to pastures new.

“I am still gutted but I suppose this (night) is good for rugby league.

“I will miss the camaraderie, being around the team with a group of likeminded lads. We work hard and have a bit of a laugh with.

“I’ll not miss playing the game now I am getting old with the contact more and more and I feel very fragile – my body can have a good rest now “I will miss being part of the team and part of St Helens and I have been proud to stand for this club and it will stay with me for a long time.

“I am very thankful for the fans – they have done nothing but support me throughout my career and I am forever thankful for them. To all the fans of St Helens, thank you very much.”