MIKE Rush has been speaking ahead of Friday’s trip to Catalan Dragons and says Saints are heading into another tough period of fixtures.
His side currently lie fourth in the Stobart Super League table just two points behind their opponents.
That makes the clash at the Stade Gilbert Brutus “a massive game for both clubs”.
“We have three big games coming up and know we don’t have a god-given right to win them,” the Acting Head Coach explained. “Catalans will be a tough match but we’ve had a weekend off and will be going there not tired and well rested.
“With it being fourth versus third, it’s teed up nicely isn’t it? It’s a big game for both clubs. We can peg them back level on points and if they win, they can put some distance between them and us. It is a massive game for both clubs.
“We have played well recently but need to make sure we put in some good performances. We have spoken about that all week because this is the time we need to be hitting some form. We have to stamp our authority on games and make sure we dominate in the areas we can.”
Last time the two sides met, a last gasp Scott Dureau conversion handed the Dragons a dramatic win – but that won’t be in the players’ minds over in France.
“There’s no talk of revenge,” Rush continued. “I wasn’t in charge then but if you wanted to take some positives from it, you could say we played very well in the first half.
“We’ve learnt the lessons of that game though and we proved that when we played Hull FC, Hull KR and Widnes. We’ve been in the same position and shown we are mentally stronger now.
“They have a good side with class throughout. Steve Menzies just keeps on going. I worked with him in the Exiles camp and saw the esteem the players held him in. Everyone wanted pictures with him after the game which shows he is not only an iconic figure in the NRL but in Super League too.
“He played well against us earlier in the year and is in great form. Ian Henderson, Leon Pryce, Scott Dureau and Clint Greenshields are all playing well too.”
Saints have near fully fit squad available with only Ade Gardner a couple of weeks away from returning to the side.
The winger is now in full training following his knee injury whilst Jonny Lomax (pictured) has recovered from the injury that kept him out of the win over Widnes.
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