NATHAN Brown said Saints’ win over Hull FC was “a good hit out” heading into the playoffs.
His side won 38-12 to cement fifth place in Super League.
“We were a bit scratchy in the first half,” he said. “In the second we scored some nice well-constructed tries and defended our lines well too.
“In the first half we scored a couple of tries through some good defence by us and some scrappy attack from them. The back three did a great job to punish those mistakes. I just thought we looked better organised in the second half and our tries were better constructed.”
Adam Swift notched his tenth try in nine games to continue his superb form on the wing.
“We’re pleased with him and he is working hard on his game,” Brown added. “At one point this year we didn’t know if he would be able to play as he had an awkward injury and we didn’t know what it was. He came back and did well, then got that bad knock at London and was out for a month. I’m not sure anyone expected him to be doing as well as he is, but he is definitely a bright prospect.
“It was pleasing to see James Roby come through ok too and I thought he had a good impact on the game. He is superb at dummy half and it is good to have that quality.
“Willie Manu went well too. He had some good games before his injury and has come back well. The team is learning how to use him and I think Jonny Lomax, Jon Wilkin and Willie have a good combination going there.”
Barring a wild points swing in the final round of matches, Saints will host Hull KR in the first round of the playoffs.
Should Catalan beat Warrington that game will be at Langtree Park on Friday September 13 with an 8pm kick-off.
A win for the Wolves would see Saints playing on Saturday with a kick off time of 5pm.
“We’re of course pleased to get a home tie as it is always good to play at your home ground,” Brown continued. “But we can’t be too worried where we play. All the teams in the comp are strong. In the knockout section you have ourselves, the Challenge Cup Finalists, Catalan who have had injuries to key players like us this season and then Hull KR who are a good footballing side with plenty of big youngsters.
“I thought we played well against Hull KR in the Cup considering what happened in that game but we know we have to improve.
“We are going into the comp with some form and we have had to play teams who are higher up the ladder too. That has given us a good build up to the finals.”
Saints will announce ticket details for their home playoff as soon as the result of Catalan v Warrington is decided.
