ROYCE Simmons spoke about “lots of positives” following Saints 31-6 win over Salford on Friday.
He watched his charges defend well and run in five tries to secure third in the Engage Super League.
“It was job done and I’m happy,” he said. “The game was very stop start stop start and there wasn’t much rhythm in it. Also, it doesn’t matter how much you tell the players… they know they have third or fourth wrapped up so it was difficult to get a lot of intensity in it.
“We did what we had to do. They turned up, were aggressive and wanted to play for their new coach. But we came through it, won, got no injuries and some of the players got good game time.
“We only had to make three replacements before half time which meant the likes of Sia could get 60 minutes. Matty Ashurst and Andrew Dixon got a long time out there too. And Scott Hale came on and got good experience too. There were plenty of positives to come out of the night.
“If you would have said to me at the start of the year we would finish third with the amount of injuries we had – at one point we had 12 to 13 players out – and the changes in combinations over the field – then I would have taken it.
“But at the end of the day we’ve now got to get the job done – we have to go on and make sure we finish it off.
“We won’t rest players next week as they weren’t rested this week. The players out this week were busted and injured. I think it is important to go into games on the back of a good win.”
He continued: “James Graham thought he scored his try but whatever the situation it’s not good enough of the captain to kick the ball away and then get sinbinned.
“He knows that and apologised to the players at half time. He knows we can’t afford to have anyone in the bin let alone your captain and one of your most experienced players. He’s a winner but knows he has to curb that sometimes.”