Case For The Defence

NATHAN Brown says defence will need to be king on Sunday if Saints want to progress past Wakefield.

The Wildcats have scored more than 100 points in their last two games as they took apart Catalan and London.

“I have a lot of respect for Richard Agar as a coach,” Brown said. “He is building a squad that can score points. He uses his players well and one thing for sure is we will get tested in defence. They have scored 100 points in two games, have some great attacking players, and we will need to be good in that area.

“We are doing things well in defence but we need to build that consistency. I would like to think we could keep on improving.”

Saints lost a number of players in Friday’s win over Catalan – and subsequently had Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook banned for two games – but Brown is confident there is enough cover in the squad.

“Jon Wilkin can come in for Luke Walsh,” he continued. “He did such a good job last season and we had a good run with him at the end of the year. On a positive note with losing a number of forwards the likes of Anthony Walker and Greg Richards can come in. They are better players through the experience of last season.

“Mark Flanagan is a Super League player too and they will take their chance.”

Brown says Saints’ next two games – Wakefield and Leeds – are important as they look to strengthen combinations ahead of the Tetley’s Challenge Cup tie at Huddersfield.

Saints came out of the hat second in Tuesday’s draw.

“We are a few weeks away from the game, are unbeaten and doing some good stuff,” he said. “We’ve lost some good players through injury though so the next few weeks will be a key part of the build up to the match.

“The games with Wakefield and Leeds are important – but the cup is important for all clubs and is synonymous with Saints. The combinations over the next few weeks will be important to how we go against Huddersfield.

“It’s a tough draw for the first round; the Giants have been up at the top of the table for a few years and have come off the back of some good performances recently too.

“There is a big open field there and that will suit both sides. Both sides will fancy their chances of doing well and having a good run but the reality is only one will do it.”

Tickets for Saints away trip to Wakefield and next week’s home blockbuster against Leeds are now on sale.

You can buy at the Ticket Office at Langtree Park, by calling 01744 455 052, or by logging on here.

Principal Club Partners

LWC Logo

Platinum Club Partners

Elcons Logo
Astar Recruitment logo
BIFFA Logo

Associate Club Partners

St Helens College logo

Official Club Partners

Box Holders