SAINTS coach Justin Holbrook wants the fans to roar his side home in Sunday’s Challenge Cup quarter final against holders Hull FC (3.30pm).
The game is huge - and for all Hull FC’s well-documented injuries in the backs, the Black and Whites still have a formidable forward pack that has paved the way for back-to-back Wembley victories.
But there is a strong desire and motivation within the Saints camp too, buoyed by results, and a feeling building on the terraces that the team could on the march to Wembley for the first time since 2008.
Holbrook said: “When we drew Cas away I said I’d love to play at home.
“We are doing that on Sunday.
"That doesn’t guarantee we win at all, but I much prefer playing in front of our home fans.
“It would be good to see them turn out in numbers to cheer us on Sunday.”
Hull will be missing some key men - Marc Sneyd, Fetuli Talanoa, Carlos Tuimavave, Josh Griffin, Jordan Abdull and Josh Bowden.
Albert Kelly is supposed to be a week away, but they may take a chance given the magnitude of the game.
For all those injuries, Hull still possess plenty of grunt in the middle.
It means Saints’ pack - like it was at Castleford - will have to be on its mettle again to lay the platform for victory.
“Hull have a very good forward pack and will have Scott Taylor back after missing last week.
“They are very strong pack and they have also got some keen backs.
“They have some key players missing - and I am not denying that at all.
“But they will provide a tough game for us on Sunday.”
Holbrook rated Jake Connor as a player, but not some aspects of his game.
“He is a good player - but a prickly character that I am not sure that side is good for the game.
“That is his personality, but at the end of the day he plays good rugby league and is a dangerman who we are going to have to watch closely,” he said.
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