IN his first game since his Saints departure was announced Tommy Makinson grabbed a well-taken try in the corner in the 40-10 win over Leeds Rhinos.

That flyng touchdown bookended his first half cover tackle on Ash Handley perfectly to illustrate that the England wingman wants to finish his time in the red vee  in the same fashion that he has played in the past14 years.

Makinson's score was his 200th for Saints - with the prolific wingman also crossing 13 times for England and five tries split between Rochdale and Whitehaven.

Coach Paul Wellens was happy with Makinson's display and that of Lewis Dodd, another player who has recently announced his departure.

Wellens said: "I was delighted for Tommy. I think you can class both Tommy and Lewis in the same bracket in the sense that when there's a lot of speculation around players’ future it can be distracting.

"It can be a difficult matter whether you're Lewis's age in your early 20s, or your Tommy’s age in your 30s.

"I think having those conversations done and the fact that they're moving on has been dealt with and I think it's reflecting in the performances.

"They seem relaxed. They seem like they're enjoying it and they're absolutely determined to finish the time here at the club in the right way.

"And we’d love nothing more than to help make that happen."