RUGBY league hero James Roby says he feels privileged to have won a Pride of St Helens Award on Friday.

The England hooker was presented with the trophy by previous winner Paul Wellens in Australia ahead of his country’s 36-6 World Cup group game victory over France in Perth the following day.

The 31-year-old has just finished his 14th consecutive season in Saints’ first team in a career that has seen him win two Super League titles and three Challenge Cups.

His high performance levels last season ensured he won the club’s player, players’ player and members’ player accolades.

Roby said: “I want to say thank you to everyone who voted for me this year.

“It is a privilege to win the award and to be presented by a former winner like Wello is fantastic.

“I could not do it without the support of everyone who works at St Helens.”

Roby is now preparing for England’s quarter final clash with Papua New Guinea on Sunday.

In his absence at the awards ceremony, his mum Cath collected the award, which was presented by Saints chairman Eamonn McManus.

She said: “This award means everything to us as a family.

“James could not make us any more proud.

“He has always been respectful in anything he has done and has never caused us any problems.”