“A BENCHMARK has been set and now we have to stick to it…”
That was the message from Paul Clough following the win at Warrington.
Speaking ahead of tonight’s clash with Wakefield at Langtree Park he said: “Our attack and defence is slowly coming together and we knew a performance like the one we displayed at Warrington was coming. We knew inside us that things would come together. Fans and pundits have written us off but we could feel it bubbling and building.
“We have now set our benchmark and we can’t go out against Wakefield and put in a poor performance. We have to make our home a fortress and we haven’t done that. We are building though and hopefully this will be a game when we can put a marker down. We want teams to know that every time they come to Langtree Park it will be a tough match and we won’t roll over.
“I don’t believe the first games are a marker of how the season will pan out. We are nearly a quarter of the way through now and sides are beating each other. But I think the cream will rise to the top and there will be a top four bracket and under that anyone can win.
“Any team can beat another – there are no guarantees of wins like the past.”
Wakefield come to Langtree Park on the back of a draw at home to an impressive Salford. They’ve also pushed Huddersfield close in recent weeks.
“Wakefield are a good side and Richard Agar is a good British coach – we need more of them in the game. We know what they are like on their day and they’ll come here and won’t lie down.
“They’ll see our home form and think it is a neutral venue. We need to do well and step up.”
Tickets for Friday’s game are on sale from the Ticket Office at Langtree Park or by calling 01744 455052. You will also be able to buy on the turnstiles.
Stat Pack:
St Helens have won their last three home meetings with Wakefield, with the Wildcats’ last away win against the Saints coming 22-20 at Knowsley Road on 17 July, 2009.
Super League Summary:
St Helens won 24
Wakefield won 7
Ups and Downs:
St Helens highest score: 64-16 (H, 2005) (Widest margin: 60-4, H, 2005)
Wakefield highest score: 41-22 (H, 2004) (also widest margin)
