I'd tend to agree, he undoubtedly hits the hardest, and is far and away the most aggressive defender, however he was caught out three times last night being well out of position in the middle of the field, to allow players to go past him. No disrespect to Huddersfield, but the Kiwi's and the Aussies will take even greater advantage of that.

Assuming Roby can prove his fitness over the next couple of weeks he is a shoe in at 9 for me. It wouldn't surprise me to see McNamara use Roby starting, Sinfield moving up to hooker to spell Roby with Widdop/ANO half on the bench. I would prefer to see Lunt/Higham on the bench though.

Agreed, but his main strengths are 'scooting' and the like, I agree he's a very well rounded 9, but i'm just perhaps comparing him to players like Cam Smith and Farah where their distribution and passing ability is their main strength etc.

But like I said, we've nothing better and i'd like to see him out there for the full 80 in the World Cup

Things must be getting desperate if McIlorum is being considered. Wow.

This is where Roby has improved this year on his varied passing game and short kicking options. The Saints pack has been dominated in most games this season and Roby has adjusted to it, obviously if he gets the opportunity to scoot it will be a bonus.
What you will see from Roby in the world cup is a similar style to Cam Smith but if he gets into open play it hopefully will damage the opposition.

I'll bow to your superior knowledge, I have seen very little of Saints this year, I look forward to seeing Roby injury free in the world cup and showing what he can do!

As a Saints fan I am naturally going to say Roby but that is on the basis that without him we are nowhere near the same side.

Looking at other clubs there are some good candidates. Houghton looks the best of the rest, a great work rate and excellent distribution. Next is Lunt who probably the most dangerous attacking player especially near the line however his all round game is not as good as Houghton. After that you have Higham and McIllorm. Higham is a dangerous player but his distribution lets him down which is a big negative for a hooker, while McIllorm offers less skill and speed than the others but a high work rate, is physical and has some mongrel which the Aussies have typically not liked.

Burrow has an X factor that is hard to ignore however you feel is as an interchange player and most of the players above can do 80 mins.