THE duel for the best hooker of the decade is a straightforward one between Keiron Cunningham and James Roby.

St Helens Star:

Cunningham played 496 times for the Saints, but only played one year in the decade we are voting on.

2010 was a tough year; Saints’ pack had been depleted and the back line had been hit with injuries.

However, the twin emotions of this being Saints’ last season at Knowsley Road and Cunningham’s final games in the red vee fuelled an extra push by the skipper.

St Helens Star:

Cunningham scored in each of the last three games at Knowsley Road, including the late try against Castleford that earned Saints a home play-off draw.

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Trademark tries against Warrington and Huddersfield in the play-off followed as Cunningham led Saints to the Grand Final against Wigan. Alas there would be no fairytale ending.

St Helens Star:

James Roby started his career as Cunningham’s understudy - with his speed and agility providing a contrast to the master.

St Helens Star:

But he has been his own man this decade, turning the job back into an 80-minute role with his workrate in defence complementing his vision and dynamism from dummy half.

He may have lost a yard or two in pace, but that has been compensated by his top two inches.

St Helens Star:

Vote online, or email to mike.critchley@nqnw.co.uk by December 22.