KEIRON Cunningham spoke of his pride after Saints’ crushing 52-6 victory over Salford Red Devils last night.
His charges ran in ten tries to go top of the First Utility Super League table and get ready in the best possible way to face Souths next weekend.
“Was it the perfect preparation? That start again wasn’t great but the response I got was sensational in the second half and I couldn’t have asked for anything better. Now we have to piece a game together. If we can get the first half from the Wigan friendly and the second half from tonight we will be in pretty good shape.
“I thought our younger players were good and our middle great – from young Andre Savelio to Mose Masoe, Alex Walmsley, Kyle Amor and Louie. Salford threw a lot at them and the only points they scored were from a kick bounce error. I’m pleased with how things are going.
“Joe Greenwood again stood out. I said last year he would be a superstar, it was a case of when. He had a big growth spurt last year and got physical and his biggest problem was growing into that body mentally. That is what he did in pre-season. He is a very level headed kid who trains hard, has a good will to learn and loves the club.
“The plan was for him to spend the first month on loan but after the friendlies I couldn’t do that as he was ready. As long as he keeps doing what he is doing then he will be hard to keep out of a shirt.
“Jon Wilkin looked good too and I have a big decision to make when Luke Walsh comes back. Joe is probably the form back rower in the comp so far and he is in Wilko’s spot. It is going to be tough but I like that. Wilko has played in the back row all his career but has adapted to seven – he actually looks like a seven now – we have done a lot of work with him. He would play anywhere for me and epitomises what this club is about.
“It will be tough to pick the 17 next week because all these players care. The one that breaks my heart is Paul Wellens. He is one of the greatest players ever to pull on a Saints shirt so to tell him two weeks in a row he isn’t playing, I can see the dejection. He understands the situation though and I like that as it shows he cares and he wants to play.”
He continued: “Walsh is ok. He had a virus this week so his training took a little setback. He will be fully with us next week and we will assess it from there. Has he a chance of playing? We’ll see. I have to make sure all boxes are ticked and Luke is ready and willing. I’m not going to risk him for one game and besides, my halves are playing pretty well at the minute so it would be foolish to try and rush someone back.
“I’m really looking forward to the game as are the players and the whole club. It is tough to play two league games before a big game – one of the biggest events in the town’s history – especially as it is at our own ground. It will be the biggest game for some of the players too. The players have done well to secure two wins with that on the horizon.
“It is now back to the drawing board to see what we can throw at Souths.”
