NATHAN Brown is looking forward to pitting his wits against one of the top sides in the competition this Friday.
Saints take on Warrington at the Halliwell Jones Stadium (8pm) in their sixth match of the Super League season.
“Leeds and Warrington have been the best two teams in the competition over the past four years and have won six of the eight trophies between them,” Brown said. “That does not tell a lie. They have stable line-ups, long serving coaches and in key positions they have kept the same personnel. That gives them stability.
“We want to improve on a weekly basis and hopefully we can put ourselves in a similar position as last year when the club finished in the top four.
“At the moment we have a few injuries and that’s stopping that stability. But one of the bonuses is we have been able to give young kids their chance.
“If they keep getting better then it gives your squad a little bit more depth and puts pressure on players to play well. But it will be good to get some of our experienced blokes back.”
Lance Hohaia is back in the 19-man squad following a short spell on the sidelines with injury and Brown is looking forward to his return.
“We’ve had a lot of setbacks in the first six weeks in terms of losing players in key positions, but once we get some stability and get the team flowing I am sure it will be good for us.”
Warrington v Saints Stat Pack:
Brett Hodgson has scored points in his last ten games against St Helens (6 for Warrington and 4 for Huddersfield). His streak began in the Giants’ 15-2 away play-off defeat by the Saints on 19 September, 2009.
Last 10 Meetings:
St Helens 18, Warrington 36 (SLQSF, 29/9/12)
Warrington 6, St Helens 28 (SLQPO, 15/9/12)
St Helens 12, Warrington 22 (SLR23, 6/8/12)
Warrington 16, St Helens 28 (SLR9, 30/3/12)
Warrington 35, St Helens 28 (SLR19, 24/6/11)
St Helens 18, Warrington 25 (SLR3, 25/2/11)
St Helens 28, Warrington 12 (SLQPO, 10/9/10)
Warrington 24, St Helens 26 (SLR24, 31/7/10)
St Helens 28, Warrington 18 (SLR7, 19/3/10)
Warrington 26, St Helens 40 (SLR20, 11/7/09)
Super League Summary:
Warrington won 5 (includes win in 2012 play-offs)
St Helens won 37 (includes wins in 2010 and 2012 play-offs)
2 draws
Highs and Lows:
Warrington highest score: 56-22 (H, 2001) (also widest margin)
St Helens highest score: 72-2 (H, 2002) (also widest margin)
