Wednesday 8 October 2014 10:45, UK
St Helens hooker James Roby wishes his replacements well in the forthcoming Four Nations Series but insists he will be back in 2015 to try to reclaim his England spot.
The 28-year-old has made himself unavailable for the month-long trip to Australia and New Zealand in order to fully recover from the ankle surgery he underwent last year.
With England hooker Michael McIlorum, his opposite number in Saturday's Super League Grand Final, also sitting out the Four Nations campaign, uncapped duo Daryl Clark (Castleford) and Josh Hodgson (Hull KR) were called up by England coach Steve McNamara and both could make their debuts against Samoa in Brisbane on October 25.
I've explained everything to Steve and he fully understands it. I'm not retiring, I'm just missing this year.
Roby, who also sat out the 2012 autumn internationals, insists he has not retired from England duty and is already eyeing up the 2017 World Cup, commenting: "That would be massive.
“I've played in the last two World Cups so I know what a great occasion they are and, if I'm still playing well when the next one comes around, I'll definitely put my hand up for it.
"I'll take it each year as it comes. Next year there's three Tests against New Zealand and hopefully I can be involved in them. I've explained everything to Steve and he fully understands it. I'm not retiring, I'm just missing this year.
"I had both ankles operated on last year and I've just been getting a little bit of aggro. Obviously I've been doing enough to get through the season no problem but the time is right to get them sorted.
"I'll get the game out of the way and we'll sit down with the specialist and decide one way or the other. It's not 100 per cent definite that I'm having surgery yet but that's an option.
"I think it's great that Daryl Clark and Josh Hodgson get the chance to go on tour. They've not played for England before so hopefully they will take their opportunities with both hands. I really wish them well."
His ankle troubles have not prevented Roby from producing superb form this year that has earned him a place on the four-man short-list for the Man of Steel award he won in 2005.
