SAINTS head over to Catalan this weekend full of confidence after their recent win over Wigan.
Nathan Brown’s side has recorded four wins from five and travel to the Dragons knowing a victory will strengthen their playoff aspirations.
“We know where we are as a squad and we aren’t getting carried away with recent form,” Brown said. “We have to take the confidence out of what we are doing. We need to find the balance, keep preparing well and improving as individuals and as a group.
“Before we had injuries there was a five or six week period when we played quite well. But then we lost players, form and confidence. Now the last five weeks have been our best since the start of the year. Our position on the table is important, but what is more important is improving week on week.
“The reality for all teams in our area on the table is we control our own destiny. I’m pretty confident the top four is nailed on and the next four spots will be determined on how well teams play and their consistency. If you play well over the next few weeks then you can put yourselves in a better position. Play badly and you risk missing out on the eight.”
Catalan may have lost three of their last five matches but they are a formidable outfit at the Stade Gilbert Brutus.
“They probably aren’t going as well as they were earlier in the year but they’ve had some misfortune too,” Nathan added. “They’ve had a number of close losses and wins and they have a big say on the league table. If you win a few of those close ones you could be in the top four. It also has a big impact on where you are and your confidence too.
“They are a big physical team and the French guys are generally big boppers too. They have blokes in key positions who are going well.
“Morgan Escare is a terrific little player, Scott Dureau is clever and Leon Pryce is well known to this club and fans. They have a well-balanced squad.
“The crowd get right into it – and I have no doubt the away support will do too.”
Saints reported no fresh injury concerns following the win over Wigan – with Gareth O’Brien, Jonny Lomax and Alex Walmsley all shaking off knocks.
However, Brown has comfirmed that Ade Gardner won’t appear in the “short term” after his concussion back in June.
