KEIRON Cunningham said he was pleased with the improvement in his side as they beat Wigan 28-12.
Saints ran in five tries – and could have had a lot more – as they comprehensively turned over the Warriors in a pre-season friendly that at times was anything but.
“It was good,” Keiron said, “but it is the same as last week, I wasn’t concerned with the result, I just wanted to see improvement. It was a good first half for me and I like the way the boys hung on in there in the second half when the possession was at around 25:75.
“They tested us defensively; we leaked one from a kick and then got one good ball set and scored. They were good signs for me.
“The halves were brilliant, the forwards were good and Roby played well too. I got the improvement I was looking for. Wigan are a great side and probably one of the best attacking sides in the comp. I thought we hung on in there well and put into practice the work we had done defensively this week. I’m pleased with the boys and they responded.”
Keiron also paid tribute to Travis Burns and – once again – Joe Greenwood.
“Travis was outstanding,” he added, “and typified why we brought him into the club. He showed his intent and what he brings to the team. Like him, I saw the team’s intent in the dressing room and they went out and did what we wanted them to do.
“Joe Greenwood was outstanding and to be honest he has surprised me. I knew he would be a good player but I thought he would be 12 months away. He has done well against one of the best teams in the comp and there are some tough decisions ahead of the Catalan game now.
“Andre Savelio showed he could do that Alex Walmsley, Mose Masoe role and I thought Atelea Vea was brilliant too.”
He also spoke about the continued questions from the Grand Final:
“Regardless of the history, it has gone now and we won a trophy regardless of what happened. This wasn’t about getting one over anyone; it was a good competitive game.
“Me and Shaun (Wane) are big fans of this game – we know it isn’t really a friendly – it is just about getting a performance on the field ready for Super League. And we got that.”
Keiron confirmed that Jonny Lomax took a knock in the back that isn’t a worry whilst Jordan Turner came off the field as part of a planned substitution.
