MIKE Rush has warned Saints not to get too carried away with the 46-6 win against Leeds.
Speaking ahead of Friday’s tough trip to Warrington he said it would be too easy to expect a repeat performance.
“We will approach the game in the same way we did with Leeds,” he explained. “We need to look at our own game and focus on what we can do. We need to realise if we do x, y and z that things can happen from there. We are conscious they have Morley, Briers, Atkins, Bridge and Monaghan, so you don’t have to be a genius to realise they have quality across the entire field.
“We know we need to remain focussed. We can’t get carried away because it is obvious they are champion team. Just because we beat Leeds doesn’t give us a God given right to do it again this weekend. We have to earn that right and that means the forwards have to aim up and we need to kick well to the corners.
“We need to show the confidence we did at the weekend. We picked an experienced side and that is probably what was needed, especially in times of adversity. The senior players had a role in that with Perry, Laffranchi, Wellens, Wilko, Flannery and TP all outstanding.
“Meli and Gardner were great too and I hope that continues. When Ade is in that form he genuinely gives himself a shot of being an international rugby player, especially with World Cup coming up. Ade should have that in the back of his mind and force his hand to get into the squad.”
Lee Gaskell and Jamie Foster made way for the experienced players in the first team squad – both making appearances for the Under 20s and performing very well.
“Gaskey has done a fantastic job for us and is an immense talent with a good career ahead of him. But he still has to learn,” Mike continued. “It’s hard to do that when you’re on the back foot and haven’t had the senior players around you. Jamie Foster is in a similar position. Ade deserved his opportunity at the weekend and he took it with both hands. They might have to bide their time to get back in but hopefully when it comes, we have set the standard to what it means to be a first team player here. They have to live up to that then.
“Shaun Magennis came into the side and did well. He is a good footballer and underrated by a lot of people. He’s always had a pass in his game. Andrew Dixon missed out because Mark Flanagan played well the week before and deserved a crack… and he certainly gave out a few cracks on Sunday didn’t he?”
Because of the short turnaround Saints have a few injury doubts heading into the match at the Halliwell Jones Stadium.
Gary Wheeler took a knee in the last carry of the game on Sunday so Rush will leave it as late as possible before naming his line-up.
But Sia Soliola has a real chance of returning from a knee problem.
