JUSTIN Holbrook said a good start at Wakefield Trinity made all the difference to his Saints side's furtunes.

A 16-0 first-half advantage was a far cry from the mountains they gave themselves to climb in the first halves of the losses to Huddersfield Giants and Catalans Dragons.

Although Wakefield hit back in the second half, Saints had the character and energy to put the game to bed 36-16 on a ground where Holbrook's side had suffered their only away Super League loss of the year.

“We knew how hard it was going to be so to come away with a good win was very pleasing," said Holbrook.

“It was a good start to the game by both sides and there wasn’t much in it.

"To go in at half time leading 16-0 was fantastic.

"It was important for us to start well as we haven’t done that over recent weeks and it has made it hard for us."

Fatigue had been an issue since the Challenge Cup semi-final loss to Catalans but Holbrook said in the week that the hangover was fading.

“It was good to get some concentration back and be ready to play," he said after returning to winning ways.

"To Wakefield’s credit they made it hard for us but in the end I was pleased to come away with a good win.”

He highlighted a few key areas.

“Tommy Makinson took his finishes well and with Luke Thompson out (suspended) it was good to see us come up well against a team the size of Wakefield," he said.

“Our defence showed some character too and I was really happy defensively, particularly in that first half.”