JON Wilkin says attention to detail will ultimately decide the destination of the World Club Challenge.
Saints’ captain has been at the forefront of his side’s perfect start to the Super League season.
But that will count for nothing when they take on the South Sydney Rabbitohs at Langtree Park this Sunday.
“We have two wins under our belts and have played ok apart from in our first pre-season game,” Wilkin said. “We are happy with some elements of our game and we certainly need did well Salford.
“What I am confident in though is we need to be much better than we have been so far to come close to South Sydney.
“If we give South Sydney as much possession as we have given other sides in the opening two rounds then they will punish us a lot more ruthlessly than we have been. We are aware of that and have some easy improvements to make.
“Our defence has been exceptional from the back end of last year to the start of this. Most attention has gone into that in the off season. Sean Long and Jamahl Lolesi are smart coaches and they have helped us improve dramatically in that area.
“That doesn’t guarantee a good night on Sunday – we have to work hard and take that into the game.
“We’ve started well and haven’t conceded a lot of points. The cornerstone of any side that wants to win trophies is defence. If you are loose defensively you are liable to be beaten in the big games. I don’t think us or Souths could be called loose in defence.”
He continued: “The experience of winning in 2007 (against Brisbane) is something we can use. Having something to draw on, good or bad, is a good learning experience. To beat Brisbane was one of the proudest moments of my life.
“Now as captain, leading Saints out into a sell-out Langtree Park, against South Sydney – that will be a special night in my career and something I will be reflecting on after the game. But first we’re all focused on producing a spot on performance on Sunday.
“The atmosphere will be special and vibrant. We can’t wait.”
