JAMES Roby hopes for a Saintly double on Saturday – a Women’s Challenge Cup final win and the men booking their place.
And sooner rather than later, both will be on the road to Wembley.
Kristian Woolf’s men play their semi-final just after Craig Richards’ women go to win the trophy in a triple header at Leigh.
But Roby believes the time is coming for both genders to step out at the national stadium, just as they will at Old Trafford for the World Cup final.
Men’s skipper Roby said: “I don’t think it’s far off. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if it happens next year or the year after.
“Two wins would be lovely. The women getting to lift their trophy would be some positive news that could feed into our changing room and give us that boost.
“And women’s sport as a whole is gathering momentum at a great pace. I’ve a young daughter myself and when she grows up, I’d love the opportunities for her to progress in sport, whichever it may be.”
While Roby looks to end St Helens’ 13-year wait for Challenge Cup glory, Jack Welsby is looking to add Wembley success to his Grand Final moment in the sun.
And he is proving he is not a one-hit wonder as he establishes himself as a genuine star after the last gasp try that clinched the Super League title last year.
Far from sit back, he has kicked on and established himself as an integral part of Woolf’s side.
After Saints returned to the top, courtesy of Wigan’s 48-0 hammering at Catalans, he said: “I haven’t seen any sign of him resting on his laurels whatsoever.
“He had a really good pre-season after coming back exactly how we wanted him to.
“Jack’s worked really hard in every game he’s played for us and he’s done it in multiple positions. He started at full-back, has done a bit at right centre, we’ve played him off the bench and on the left wing.
“For him to do what he did last year, then to approach this year and improve on 2020 like he has is a sign of what sort of player he’ll be in the future.
“He’s going to be a very good player for this club.”
Welsby’s latest star showing saw him grab a hat-trick against Hull FC while filling in on the left wing for Wales star Regan Grace.
But he will be back for Saturday’s semi-final rematch after sitting it out because of concussion protocol.
Woolf added: “Regan and Tommy Makinson will be 100 per cent.”
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