IT is an aspect of rugby league that many old school purists cannot comprehend – but one that is now an integral feature of every Super League team’s play.

It is, of course, those early carries by the wings and centres, the battle for quick yards from the kick return, a speedy play the ball and then using the pack to start rolling the opposition down the field.

Their strength in this aspect of play was a huge factor in last three of Saints’ four titles in a row – with the momentum from Tommy Makinson and Mark Percival’s strong carries allowing Alex Walmsley to scatter defenders and then play off the back of that.

The Saints pack going forward at the moment is nowhere near as effective as it was when those early set-starters are present, on form and getting them on the front foot.

It is just one more reason why Saints have missed Makinson, Percival and, of course, Konrad Hurrell – who was always able to put a dent in the line.

Saturday afternoon was a case in point with Saints’ yardage stunted and they kept at bay in their own half for large parts of the game, kicking on the back foot and giving the halves little scope to put on attacking plays.

Saints will get Tommy Makinson back this week after a two-match suspension – coming shortly after his return from a lengthy injury.

And Wellens says he will have no qualms about dropping centre Percival back into the mix as soon as he has recovered from his Achilles issue.

But Wellens praised the brave effort of last Saturday's back three - Harry Robertson, Tee Ritson and Jon Bennison, with the two wings never shirking their carry in the teeth of some robust Wire defence.

(Image: John Clifton/SWpix.com)

He said: “It was difficult for us but in Tee, Benno and Harry, we have got three great kids, all brave kids who carry the ball with intent but they are all smaller bodies.

“They can only work with what they have got there and don’t lack bravery.

“Tee uses his footwork and quite often draws a penalty out of the opposition. Benno is as courageous a player that you will come across.

“So I can't be critical of them there – I can't ask them to be 6ft 4”.

Saints will, of course, get a new back-three next season in Tristan Sailor, Kyle Feldt and Lewis Murphy.

Supporters are excited at the prospect of seeing their finishing prowess more than anything, but they will also be doing their share early on in the sets to help create the field position for those opportunities.

However, it may well be that with a new attack coach and some fresh thinking from Wellens with the personnel he has available Saints may significantly tweak the game that they mastered under Kristian Woolf.