PAUL Wellens says it’s back to business after the League Leaders’ Shield celebrations.
Saints paraded Langtree Park’s first piece of silverware around the pitch following the win over Castleford but now thoughts turn to next Thursday’s big Playoff Semi Final.
“It was a good victory and it was great to celebrate winning the Shield in front of the fans and have our kids on the pitch,” he said. “Now we have to focus on the big game next week and prepare well to come up with a big performance. We will be working hard.”
Saints will head into next Thursday’s Playoff Semi Final fresh from a weekend off courtesy of their 41-0 win over Castleford.
“It was a fantastic performance from the boys under pressure,” Paul continued. “That is what play-off football is all about; it is about producing on the day and to a man we stood up to the challenge.
“Our forward pack laid the foundation and off the back of that Jordan Turner and Lance Hohaia controlled the game which is key in these types of fixtures.
“James Roby was phenomenal too. There are only so many things you can say about him that haven’t already been said. He is a phenomenal player who continuously produces at the top level.
“The thing is, he is that good on a weekly basis that he gets taken for granted.
“I can assure everyone that we don’t take the work he does for granted. He was huge and proved why he is one of the best hookers in the world.”
Saints led 13-0 at half time and then cut the Tigers to shreds.
And undoubtedly the highlight of the five tries scored in that second half was Turner’s effort after he’d linked with Roby and Sia Soliola.
Wellens continued: “We work hard in training and it is pleasing when you put that effort in and it comes off in a game.
“We knew opportunities would present themselves if we just remained patient and controlled the ball well. We then capitalised off those opportunities.
“But our defence was key too. We had desperation to defend our line particularly at the end of the game. That wasn’t needed for the scoreboard but we knew we needed to do it as in two weeks’ time we will need to come up with those types of plays.”
Tickets for the game are currently on sale to Season Ticket Holders.
