KEIRON Cunningham expects his side to feel no ill effect from their World Club Challenge loss when they face Castleford on Friday.
In fact, Saints will be “spurred on” by the disappointment.
“It was a bitter pill to swallow but when you watch the game back it is evident we weren’t far off in some departments,” he said. “We let ourselves down though and have things to work on.
“I think the occasion got to certain players in the team. I really feel for them, I wanted nothing more than them to do well. I wasn’t really concerned with winning; I wanted them to perform well and do themselves proud for the town. We all felt a little down afterwards.
“To do well in these big occasions, the only way to be prepared is to play in them and I’d like to think in the years to come events like Sunday will set the young players in good stead.
“Composure comes with age and wisdom but sometimes learning can be ugly.
“It was a one off event against the greatest side in the world. Our record before that was good; our form was good so Sunday shouldn’t have any bearing on what happens from now in. If anything it should spur us on.”
He continued: “Our confidence is fine; it is our pride that has taken a battering. But we have a good bunch of players who are professional and committed to the cause.
“We will want to put in a good performance this week and do each other proud. Some players owe their teammates after Sunday and they will want to repay that.”
Saints have omitted Jordan Turner from their 19-man squad for Friday’s game, whilst the fixture is still too early for the return of Luke Walsh.
“Jordan has concussion and we have to play by those rules for him,” Keiron added. “Luke will be fit when he is fit. I can’t give anyone a deadline or a guideline. It would be foolish of me to bring him back sooner than he is ready.
“His grumbles are nothing to do with the fracture site – everything is good there.”
Tickets for Friday’s game with Castleford (8pm) remain on sale form the Ticket Office, by calling 01744 455 052 or logging on here.
