James Roby insists he is happy coming off the bench in this weekend's Challenge Cup final.
Man of Steel content with bench impact
James Roby could be the face of English rugby league for the next decade but for now he is happy to play second fiddle to a living legend.
Even lifting the prestigious Man of Steel award at the end of last season has not been enough to guarantee Roby a place in St Helens' starting line-up, and he will occupy a familiar position on the bench at Saturday's Carnegie Challenge Cup final against Hull.
He has made more appearances as a substitute than as a member of the run-on team but the 22-year-old is not complaining.
He is content to provide back-up to Saints' inspirational captain Keiron Cunningham and, of course, came off the bench to score the first try at the new Wembley in his side's 30-8 win over Catalans Dragons a year ago.
"With Keiron in front of me, I'm in no position to start demanding a starting spot," he said.
"This year I've started more games than I have in the past and I've had more game time than in previous years.
"The more minutes I play, the better, to be honest, but I'm fine with coming off the bench.
"I know how lucky I've been to come into the St Helens team at the right time. Since I broke into the first team, we seem to be winning all these trophies so I know I'm a lucky lad.
"I'll wait for my time. Knowing Keiron, he'll probably end up doing another year. He's not showing any signs of stopping."
Cunningham, 31, who has scored a remarkable 163 tries in his 433 appearances for St Helens, will lead his team out on his eighth Challenge Cup final appearance, 12 years on from his first.
Extention
And the former Wales and Great Britain international has confirmed that he is poised to extend his career for another 12 months, with the club close to making an announcement.
"I am feeling good and I'm in good form so I'd like to think I can go round again," he said.
Meanwhile, Roby will go into Saturday's final refreshed by a rare weekend off.
He missed only two games in 2007 and was an ever-present this year before being rested for last Sunday's Super League game at Huddersfield.
"I was quite glad of the rest," he said.
"I don't really like missing games but every now and again you need to rest the bumps and bruises and it helps mentally."
World-cup
Roby, who looks certain to be England's hooker in the end-of-season World Cup, made history a year ago when he went on as substitute against Catalans and scored the first try at the new Wembley.
His energy and enthusiasm proved too much for the Dragons as he tore through a tiring defence for the game-turning touchdown and he is hoping to make a similar impact against Hull.
"I've great memories of Wembley last year and I'll be going out to try and emulate it," he said.
"Last year was brilliant from a personal point of view. People keep going on about me scoring the first try.
"I don't think I'll fully realise the significance of it until I maybe retire. It could have been anyone, luckily it was me and my name will be remembered for it."
