WELL, we called for a vastly improved performance as the Saints travelled over the hill to Wigan - and we certainly got it!
Yes, we still came off second best in the narrow 16-12 defeat, but in terms of effort and endeavour, and glimpses of the Saints style we know, a lot of the fans will have left the recently renamed Brick Community Stadium a lot more positive about what might be in prospect for the rest of the season.
Both teams were missing a number of first choice stars, and were putting their faith in the youth, and neither team disappointed.
It was probably the best Betfred Super League game I’ve watched this year.
Two of these youngsters, both playing full back for their respective teams, Wigan’s Zach Eckersley and St Helens debutant Harry Robertson were excellent.
Eckersley, son of my Oldham mate and former Warrington teammate Chris Eckersley, was probably the best player on the park.
He was a constant threat to the Saints defence, breaking the line to set up Jake Wardle for Wigan’s first try, before crossing the whitewash himself for the deciding four pointer in the 68th minute.
Robertson, the 18-year-old former Halton Farnworth Hornets product, showed on the big stage he’s got the tools to go all the way in the game.
He came up with a big defensive play to hold up Wardle, before doing what great full backs do.
That is supporting through the middle, getting on the end of a Curtis Sironen break, before showing the composure to put Jack Welsby under the posts for the opening try.
After a bit of a nervy start, understandably, he really looked like he was enjoying himself out there and was a constant threat in the Saints attack.
Also, you could see in his post match interview on Sky he doesn’t lack confidence!
It was great to see two new exciting stars of the future burst onto the Betfred Super League scene. If they’re good enough, they’re old enough that's my philosophy.
As per last week's column, our coach Paul Wellens stuck to his word and made changes to his side.
The obvious one, stepping down Lewis Dodd and moving Welsby into the halves.
This certainly created a lot more attacking threat from the Saints, albeit still far from clinical in the final third of the field. But, what we did see, as I called for last week…more direct ‘to and through’ attack.
With this, on the back of the excellent Sironen backed up by Lees and Delaney we got to see what a threat Daryl Clark can be.
He made numerous breaks from dummy half on the back of some good ruck speed. While on about good performers, yet again Mark Percival run his blood to water with a huge game.
Waqa Blake scored in the corner on the 57th minute after again great work from Sironen to put Saints back in front at 12-6, before some good Wigan skill saw Adam Keighran level the scores three minutes later.
Eckersley was to prove the difference with his try ten minutes from time, to get Wigan the win and move four points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
Sadly Saints drop to fourth, behind Friday's opponents Warrington and third-placed Hull KR who yet again took the points in the Hull derby.
So to Friday, and the pressure is back on us to come up with a big performance against the Wolves, and avoid a fourth straight defeat.
Wello spoke positively after the Wigan game, and how the performance could be a ‘blue print’ going forward.
I 100% agree, and with a bit more composure in good ball, asking a few more questions of the opposition defence we won’t be far off.
Priority against the Wolves, who themselves I think have been inconsistent and mentally soft at times, Saints have to be ruthless and aggressive.
This starts with disciplined defensive line speed, getting in the faces of George Williams, Matt Dufty and Co.
With the ball, continue where we left off at Wigan and keep playing direct, with quick ruck speed and bodies in motion at all times.
This is going to be a close game as always between these two teams, with us surprisingly odds on favourites with Betfred, probably as we're at home and desperately need the two points.
I’m going to say Saints get back on track at the TWS, and win by more than six points which is 5/4 with title sponsors Betfred.
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