After combined careers totalling 865 domestic appearances, nine Grand Final triumphs and six Challenge Cup wins, two of rugby league’s most talismanic figures will take to the pitch in Perpignan on Friday in the knowledge that their game is almost up.
Either James Roby or Sam Tomkins will feature in their final match in the Betfred Super League play-off semi-final between Catalans Dragons and St Helens, with the winner earning one last shot at enhancing those already-historic statistics in the Grand Final later this month.
While Roby and Tomkins have been at pains to play down the significance of their impending personal retirements, the significance has not been lost on the sport with Saints head coach Paul Wellens convinced it may never again hail stars of such longevity and records of sustained success.
“They are maybe the last of their era,” said Wellens, whose side kept alive their hopes of rounding off 37-year-old Roby’s career with an unprecedented fifth-successive Grand Final win when they nudged to a 16-8 victory over Warrington last week.
“I don’t think anyone will be hitting the astronomical numbers that James Roby has hit in terms of appearances. Players get struck down more with concussions and suspensions and we are looking to reduce the number of games we play each year.
“Sam is someone I was playing against back in 2008 or 2009 when he burst onto the scene with Wigan in a play-off game at Knowsley Road.
“I was like, ‘who is this kid?’ because I was taken aback by someone who came onto the field and really troubled us that night. You just knew at the moment you were playing against a special player and that’s proven to be correct. He’s been one of Super League’s best ever.”
For Tomkins, who won three Grand Finals and two Challenge Cups with Wigan before moving on – via a stint in Australia’s NRL – to make a huge impact on Catalans’ development in 2019, the possibly of culminating his career by facing his former club at Old Trafford remains at the forefront of his mind.
Catalans were pipped to the League Leaders’ Shield on the final day of the regular campaign, but victory over Saints would confirm their second Grand Final appearance against the winners of Saturday’s second semi-final between Wigan and Hull KR.
“The dream ending would be playing Wigan at Old Trafford and winning,” admitted Tomkins.
“I want nothing more than to bring silverware to the Dragons, so to be able to be a part of it in my last-ever game would be a dream come true.
“I’d go as far as to say it would mean more to me than any other trophy I’ve ever won.
“All year people have kept saying, this is your last time doing something – the last time at Wigan, or the last time at St Helens. None of them have really mattered, but this one does.
“The last time playing at home will certainly be special, but I don’t want this to be my last game.”
Tomkins and Roby played together for England on numerous occasions – notably at the 2013 World Cup – and despite their enduring domestic rivalry as respective stalwarts of the sport’s most successful rival factions, the 34-year-old had plenty of praise for his rival.
“He’s been the most consistent player for well over a decade,” said Tomkins. “I don’t know how he is still going at his age. He is a legend of a bloke. Everyone in rugby league knows what a great servant to the game he has been – but hopefully it will be his last game this weekend.”
Women Reggae Warriors squad named for America’s Women’s World Series Qualifiers in Jacksonville
Jamaica has named a 19-woman squad for the upcoming America’s Women’s World Series Qualifiers set for November 6-9 in Jacksonville.
The Women Reggae Warriors, currently ranked 22nd in the world, will take on the USA in the semi-finals on November 6 at the University of North Florida before the winner takes on world number seven Canada in the final on November 9.
Brazil were originally supposed to be a part of the tournament but withdrew in June due to funding and logistical issues.
The winner of the final will advance to the 2025 World Series for a chance to advance to the 2026 Women’s Rugby League World Cup in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Women Reggae Warriors squad: Alicia Richards, Aniya Smith, Chevelle Clarke, Darcey Price, Debisha Scarlett, Dejonaye Cole, Elyse Royal, Gianna Noble-Cunningham, Kamoya Forrest, Kaya-Jo Laing, Mackayla McCalla, Makeda Lewis, Moesha Bogle, Shanice Stewart, Shanique Smith, Sherine Johnson, Shoya Gordon, Tarja Richards, Veronica Blair.
Reggae Warriors fall to Wales in rain-soaked Rugby League international
Jamaica's Reggae Warriors suffered a narrow 22-16 defeat to Wales in a rain-drenched international rugby league encounter on Tuesday at The Gnoll in Neath. Despite leading 10-0 early in the match, Jamaica couldn’t hold off a determined Welsh side that rallied in the second half to secure the victory in front of 1,300 fans.
Jamaica, fielding a new-look squad with eight debutants, got off to a dream start. Ben Jones-Bishop opened the scoring in the fifth minute, slipping through the Welsh defense after a missed tackle. Just minutes later, Alex Young, brother of England international Dom Young, pounced on a loose ball following Kieran Rush’s precise kick to double the lead for the Reggae Warriors.
With a 10-0 advantage, Jamaica appeared to be in control, but Wales adapted to the worsening conditions. Rhys Williams, Wales' record-cap holder, sparked the Welsh comeback just before halftime, scoring a crucial try after running onto a kick from captain Elliot Kear.
The second half saw Wales take advantage of the wet conditions and gain momentum. Debutants Huw Worthington and Max Clarke both crossed the try line, giving Wales the lead for the first time in the match. A strong performance from Gil Dudson, named man of the match, and a try from Matty Fozard stretched the Welsh lead, sealing the comeback victory.
Jamaica struggled to find their rhythm in the second half, especially after losing playmaker Kieran Rush to injury early in the period. Despite a late try from Joshua Hudson-Lett, Jamaica couldn’t close the gap, leaving the final score at 22-16 in favor of Wales.
For Jamaica, the match provided valuable experience for a squad featuring many new players, including the only non-UK-based player, Alex Young of the Sydney Roosters. Despite the loss, the Reggae Warriors showed promise and will look to build on their performance in future fixtures.
Match Summary
Wales (4) 22
Tries: Williams, Worthington, Clarke, Dudson, Fozard
Conversions: Fozard
Jamaica (10) 16
Tries: Jones-Bishop, Young, Hudson-Lett
Conversions: Carter
Penalty: Rush
The defeat marks another step in Jamaica’s journey to establish themselves on the international rugby league stage as they continue to gain experience against quality opposition.
Reggae Warriors name 20-man squad to face Wales on October 15
Jamaica has called up a 20-man squad to prepare for their international clash with world number 17 Wales, at the The Lextan Gnoll in Neath, on Tuesday, October 15 (kick-off 7.30pm).
Most players called up play in English competitions, the lone exception, Alex Young, is currently signed to the Sydney Roosters in Australia. Included are veterans such as Ben Jones-Bishop, James Woodburn Hall, Mo Agoro, Jordan Andrade, Keenen Tomlinson, and Ross Peltier. However, there are also plenty new faces with possible debutants coming from Darius Carter, Delaine Gittens-Bedwards, Jaden Dayes, Leo Skerritt-Evans, Aaron Smalls, Keenan Ramsden and Joshua Hudson-Lett.
Injury has forced the withdrawal of inspirational captain Ashton Golding (Huddersfield), Jerome Yates (West Warriors) and Greg Johnson (Moldgreen), whilst Michael Lawrence (Bradford) and AJ Wallace (Huddersfield) are unavailable due to club duties. Resulting, former captains Joe Brown and Jy-Mel Coleman, both instrumental in Jamaica’s qualification to the 2021 World Cup, have made themselves available if required, with Coleman doubling as an assistant coach.
Jamaica will be coached by Rhys Lovegrove, who is Academy Head Coach at Super League club Hull KR. He commented, “I’m really honoured and privileged to be part of the coaching set and excited to see some new faces pull on the jersey to face Wales”.
Director of Rugby and Head of Jamaica’s men’s programme Romeo Monteith added, “As an organisation we are happy to face Wales at their home. They are a good team with a proud history in rugby league. Jamaica remains committed to playing at least one international in Europe annually and we hope to collaborate more often with Wales in the future. The game helps them prepare for their European World Cup qualifiers, and it helps us in our preparation for the World Series in 2025 as it’s vital our professional players get a chance to play together as often as possible.”
The Reggae Warriors played their last men’s international against the USA on December 3, 2024, going down 26-30. After Wales, Jamaica faces Canada in Toronto on October 19.
JAMAICA SQUAD:
Delaine Gittens-Bedward (Barrow Raiders), Joshua Hudson-Lett (Bedford Tigers), Leo Skerrett-Evans (Castleford Tigers), Aaron Small (Cornwall), Keenen Tomlinson (Featherstone Rovers), James Woodburn-Hall (Halifax), Darius Carter, Kieran Rush (Huddersfield Giants), Chris Ball (London Broncos), Alex Brown (Moldgreen ARLFC), Mo Agoro (Oldham), Jaden Dayes, Jordan Andrade (Rochdale), Ben Jones-Bishop (Sheffield), Keenan Ramsden (Siddal), Alex Young (Sydney Roosters), Isaac Coleman (York Acorn), Joe Brown, Jy-Mel Coleman, Ross Peltier (Unattached)
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